This policy brief analyzes the Iraqi domestic political scene in the run up to the 2014 parliamentary elections, arguing that they may represent a turning point in the history of Iraq. It briefly traces Iraq’s experience with elections by looking at the recent elections and their results, as well as discussing the changes to the electoral regulations. It examines the main challenges and contested issues that are affecting the political process before the elections, such as the different interpretations of the electoral laws and processes and the reluctance of the people to participate in elections. The brief examines in detail the main coalitions that will be competing in the elections, focusing on the shifts in their structure. The brief also elaborates on the prospects of the coalitions in the election results. The brief then examines the regional and international implications of Iraq’s elections, as well as the impact of the regional and international developments on the electoral process. The brief concludes with an outline of the four major lines of divisions within the Iraqi people as regards their attitude in the elections.
