ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Former Iraq Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law coalition, warned Saturday that low participation in Iraq’s upcoming elections would undermine stability and urged political rivals to avoid incitement and smear tactics in their campaigns.

In a speech at the launch of his coalition’s electoral list, Maliki said Iraq “cannot rise except on the basis of solid constitutional institutions governed by legal and religious rules.” He called for a state that respects Iraq’s diversity without exclusion or discrimination, makes the law its highest reference in disputes, and safeguards sovereignty from foreign interference.”

The former premier warned that a low voter turnout would serve those who “harbor ill intentions toward Iraq and its people and dream of returning to power.” He rejected political competition based on smear campaigns and discrediting rivals, calling it “an ethical flaw” that harms the country.

“We do not call for signing a document but for sincerity in word, deed, and intent,” he said. “An honest politician, confident in his work and loyal to his people, does not need to mobilize electronic armies, polish his image, defame others, or buy loyalties by exploiting state resources and public funds.”

Addressing political rivals, Maliki urged all parties to exercise responsibility and respect in their campaigns. “My message is that competition should not become a platform for discord, incitement, or threats to security and stability,” he said.

Maliki said holding elections on schedule despite global and regional instability sends three important reassurances: first, the entrenchment of democratic experience in a country that endured dictatorship and repression for 35 years; second, the success of the political process in overcoming crises since the fall of the former regime, while admitting failures in state institutions that must be addressed by all political forces; and third, that broad participation will demonstrate the strength of national unity and shield Iraq’s security from regional and international turmoil.

He further stressed that weapons must be held exclusively by the state and that Iraq’s security depends on strong national security institutions that protect citizens and respect the constitution. 

“Security is not just the absence of violence; it is the presence of law and justice, and the guarantee of stability so our children can live safely and feel secure about their present and future,” he said.

Iraq is set to hold its parliamentary elections on November 11, with campaigning having opened on Friday for the more than 7,750 candidates who hope to win one of the legislature's 329 seats, which are distributed across the country's provinces under a proportional representation system.

Iraq's last parliamentary elections in October 2021 saw record low turnout amid widespread public frustration.