Baghdad: The Media and Communications Commission issued a series of directives to media outlets on Thursday, urging them to adhere to the electoral silence period in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Commission stated it “has begun direct coordination with the Independent High Electoral Commission to unify efforts aimed at ensuring the success of the parliamentary elections, in accordance with the Commission’s announcement of the electoral silence period, which will begin on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 7:00 AM.”

The Commission emphasized the importance of all media institutions, platforms, and outlets adhering to Article (6), paragraphs (2, 4, and 5) of the Media Coverage Regulations for Elections. This includes prohibiting media outlets from broadcasting election-related coverage for any entity, coalition, or candidate during the electoral silence period. This period starts at the end of the election campaign and concludes with the closing of the last polling station.

Additionally, all media outlets must respect this directive and refrain from broadcasting any material that promotes or defames candidates, entities, or alliances during the electoral silence period. Any statement or media content referencing a candidate or political entity, whether for or against, is considered election propaganda and is prohibited during this time.

The Commission affirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting responsible freedom of expression, urging media institutions to “be an active national partner in ensuring the success of the electoral process by adhering to the rules of electoral silence and creating a suitable media environment for voters to choose their representatives, free from the propaganda that has persisted throughout the past weeks.”