2009 Iraqi provincial elections
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| 2009 Iraqi provincial elections | |
|---|---|
| Election name | 2009 Iraqi provincial elections |
| Country | Iraq |
| Type | parliamentary |
| Previous election | 2005 Iraqi governorate elections |
| Previous year | 2005 |
| Next election | 2013 Iraqi governorate elections |
| Next year | 2013 |
| Seats for election | 14 provincial councils |
| Election date | 31 January and 31 July 2009 |
2009 Iraqi provincial elections were held in two phases on 31 January and 31 July 2009 to elect provincial councils in 14 of Iraq's 18 governorates. The polls marked the first major subnational contests since the 2005 Iraqi governorate elections and were conducted against a background of ongoing Iraq War security challenges, regional political realignments, and debates over federalism and provincial powers. International observers from organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union monitored aspects of the process while local coalitions including the State of Law Coalition, the Iraqi National Movement, and the Kurdistan Democratic Party vied for influence.
Background and Electoral System
The elections followed reforms enacted after the 2005 Iraqi constitution and the withdrawal timetable announced by the United States. Provincial councils were empowered under the constitution to manage local affairs in line with provisions of the Council of Representatives and the provincial powers law. The electoral system used proportional representation with closed lists based on the Hare quota and a modified largest remainder method, adapted from practices in other post-conflict states like Afghanistan and similar to systems used in the Lebanon.
Electoral administration involved the Independent High Electoral Commission and the Supreme Judicial Council for adjudication. Voter registration drives engaged civil society groups such as Iraqi Red Crescent Society activists and international partners including the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and elements of the NATO Training Mission-Iraq.
Campaign and Key Parties
Campaigning featured extensive competition among parties and coalitions: the State of Law Coalition led by Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi National Movement (also known as Iraqiyya) led by Ayad Allawi, the Sadrist Movement associated with Muqtada al-Sadr, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party in the Kurdistan Region, and various United Iraqi Alliance successors including factions around Ibrahim al-Jaafari and Ammar al-Hakim. Sunni Arab politicians organized through lists tied to provincial notables and groups linked to the Iraqi Islamic Party and former members of the Ba'ath Party running as independents.
Ethno-sectarian competition involved Kurdish parties coordinating in Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and Dohuk, while Sunni Islamists and secular nationalists campaigned in Anbar, Salah ad-Din, and Nineveh. Shia-dominated provinces saw contests among the Sadrists, the State of Law Coalition, and factions of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq with prominent politicians like Ammar al-Hakim and Adel Abdul Mahdi active in coalitions. Campaign issues included provincial oil and gas rights linked to debates over the Iraqi oil law, provincial security administration, and public services restoration after episodes like the 2006–2008 Iraqi sectarian conflict.
Election Day and Security Context
Security remained central: the Iraq War insurgency, Al-Qaeda in Iraq remnants, and militias such as elements of the Mahdi Army shaped the environment. Coalition sources from the Multi-National Force – Iraq described force protection measures, while the Iraqi Security Forces including the Iraqi Army and Iraqi Police took lead roles at polling stations. Attacks and intimidation occurred in some areas, notably in Nineveh and Diyala, prompting delays and heightened deployment comparable to previous elections including the 2005 Iraqi parliamentary election.
International observers like personnel from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe and delegations associated with the European Parliament reported on logistical challenges, media freedoms, and irregularities. Voter turnout varied regionally, influenced by displacement stemming from events such as the Battle of Basra (2008) and continuing sectarian displacement patterns.
Results and Seat Distribution
Tabulation of results produced shifts in provincial control. The State of Law Coalition made gains in several Shia-majority provinces such as Babil, Dhi Qar, and Wasit, while the Iraqi National Movement performed strongly in mixed and Sunni areas including Anbar and parts of Nineveh. In the Kurdistan Region the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan retained dominance across Erbil, Sulaimaniyah, and Dohuk councils. The Sadrist Movement secured significant representation in the Basra and Maysan councils.
Seat allocation reflected the proportional lists, with provincial assemblies negotiating governorships and council presidencies in coalition talks reminiscent of arrangements after the 2005 Iraqi governorate elections and the 2005 Iraqi legislative election. Outcomes influenced senior appointments and control over provincial security committees as defined under the provincial powers framework.
Aftermath and Political Impact
Post-election politics saw coalition-building involving leaders such as Nuri al-Maliki, Ayad Allawi, Muqtada al-Sadr, Jalal Talabani, and Masoud Barzani to secure provincial majorities. The results affected debates over the controversial Iraqi oil law and the status of disputed territories like Kirkuk, where tensions with the Turkmen Front and Assyrian groups persisted. Provincial outcomes shaped preparations for the 2010 Iraqi parliamentary election and influenced negotiations with international actors including the United States and European Union on reconstruction and security assistance.
Legal Challenges and Recounts
Allegations of fraud and procedural irregularities prompted legal challenges brought before the Supreme Judicial Council and the Independent High Electoral Commission. Recounts and annulments occurred in select districts with references to precedents from the Iraq War era contests and oversight from organizations such as the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq. Some disputes were resolved through provincial council sessions, while others escalated to national-level arbitration, affecting the timing of forming local administrations and the appointment of provincial governors.