Iraq: Legislative campaign period to begin April 14

Event

The campaign period for national legislative elections in Iraq is set to begin on Saturday, April 14. The elections themselves will be held on May 12. Voters will select more than 300 members of parliament, who will in turn elect the president and prime minister. An elevated terrorist risk is expected throughout the duration of the campaign period, although the capabilities of militant groups such as the Islamic State (IS) remain limited. Low-level political intimidation attacks are also possible.

Context

Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi claimed victory over IS in December 2017, the group retains a degree of freedom of movement in the northeast (Hamrim Mountains), near the Tigris and Zab rivers, in rural regions of Anbar province, and along the Syrian border in the west. IS militants continue to carry out attacks, notably against security forces.

On April 7, a suicide attack on the headquarters of the Al-Hal (Solution) political party in Anbar province, claimed by IS, resulted in the deaths of at least three people and injured at least nine.

High-profile attacks spur equally significant security responses, including enhanced checkpoint operations and more proactive operations, with resulting effects on transit.

Advice

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.