Baghdad: Today’s newspapers in Baghdad highlighted significant issues such as addressing hate speech and extremism in the lead-up to the parliamentary elections, the introduction of the third national strategy to combat poverty, and the ongoing failure of Parliament to convene its sessions.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sabah newspaper reported on a conference titled ‘Countering Extremist Rhetoric During Election Campaigns’, which gathered government, security, and legal officials alongside representatives from international missions. The participants stressed the importance of confronting rhetoric that incites violence or exploits religious and sectarian tensions, especially with the parliamentary elections slated for November 11.
National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji urged electoral candidates to refrain from extremist and sectarian discourse, emphasizing that a ‘unifying national rhetoric’ is essential for the electoral process’s success. He mentioned that the government has completed all logistical and technical preparations for the elections, acknowledging the significant role of tribal leaders, community figures, and members of the National Committee for Combating Violent Extremism in ensuring the democratic process’s success.
Deputy Commander of Joint Operations and head of the Supreme Security Committee for Elections, Lt. Gen. Qais al-Muhammadi, highlighted that the committee’s role extends beyond securing polling centers and protecting voters. It also involves addressing any rhetoric threatening social peace. He stated that such inflammatory discourse would face strict legal measures, underscoring the need for broad cooperation from citizens and media outlets. Al-Muhammadi stressed the necessity of national media serving as a partner in raising awareness and protecting the democratic path.
Judge Omar Ahmed Mohammed, Chairman of the Board of Commissioners at the Independent High Electoral Commission, emphasized the need for ‘practical and concrete measures’ to confront extremist rhetoric during election campaigns. He added that the Commission prioritizes protecting the democratic process from incitement or hate speech.
Al-Zawraa newspaper, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, followed the Ministry of Planning’s preparations to launch the third poverty reduction strategy for the next five years, considering the effects of climate change. The ministry’s spokesperson, Abdul Zahra Al-Hindawi, noted that the ministry is preparing to launch the third strategy to combat poverty from 2026 to 2030. Al-Hindawi stated that previous policies and strategies have contributed to a significant decline in poverty rates across Iraq, with the poverty rate decreasing from 23% to 17% by the end of 2024.
Al-Zaman newspaper addressed the repeated inability of the House of Representatives to hold its sessions due to frequent member absences and the failure to achieve a quorum. The publication noted that this inability raises concerns about Parliament’s capacity to fulfill its legislative duties before the current session ends, as the next elections approach. Observers indicated that the legislative process is threatened by this continued failure, which weakens citizens’ confidence in Parliament’s capability to enact necessary laws and reforms. They urged addressing the crisis to maintain minimum legal and political obligations, including approving the current year’s budget.