Baghdad: Iraqis went to the polls on Tuesday in a parliamentary election that many believe will bring little change to the country’s troubled political system. The vote comes as Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani seeks a second term, but widespread frustration over corruption, poor services, and unemployment has left many voters disillusioned.

Observers say al Sudani’s political bloc is expected to win the most seats but fall short of a clear majority. This outcome could lead to months of negotiations among Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish factions before a new government is formed. The process is familiar to Iraqis, who have seen coalition talks drag on after nearly every election since 2003.

Voter turnout is expected to remain low, reflecting the growing public apathy toward politics. In the last election held in 2021, only around 41 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, marking a record low in participation.

Despite calls for change, many Iraqis believe that the system remains dominated by powerful political networks and armed groups that often prioritize their own interests over national reform. While some younger candidates are contesting the election, analysts say it will be difficult for new voices to challenge the deeply rooted political elite.

Ahead of the general vote, about 1.3 million members of Iraq’s security forces and more than 26,000 displaced citizens, including many from the Yazidi minority, participated in early voting. Their participation highlighted the continuing challenges faced by communities still recovering from years of conflict and displacement.

One key figure drawing attention is Qais al Khazali, the leader of the Iran-aligned Asa’ib Ahl al Haq militia, who is trying to reposition himself as a political leader rather than a militia commander. His campaign is being closely watched as an indicator of how much influence Iran-backed groups will continue to hold in Iraq’s parliament.

Experts warn that the current calm around the election should not be mistaken for genuine stability. Iraq continues to face deep structural problems, including sectarian power sharing, weak state institutions, and heavy foreign influence from both the United States and Iran.

The outcome of the vote will likely shape Iraq’s political landscape for the next several years. However, many citizens remain doubtful that a new government will deliver better services, create jobs, or curb corruption. For now, Iraq’s election seems less about transformation and more about maintaining the fragile balance that has defined its politics for decades.