How the tribal environment and political parties orientations impacted democracy in Iraq

The political scene in Iraq is greatly impacted by the tribal (clan-based) environment. Apart from that, there are partisan, economic, social and media influences as well. Each of which reshapes the rules of leadership, governance and administration. Past local and parliamentary elections have shown how strong this impact is on shaping voters’ orientation and therefore their representatives. With the upcoming November 2025 elections, an early coordination is underway between tribal chiefs and clan leaders to ensure votes and seats in the Iraqi parliament, which is a trend that continues till today.

At the same time, digital networks have been used to create news and circulate narratives that legitimize certain candidates while delegitimizing others in the public imagination, especially on social media platforms through the use of AI tools and digital fabrication technology. The contenders are opting to kick up religious and sectarian controversies to attract attention and rally certain sections of the population. These issues divide people into one´-or-the other categories that strive for assertion through the candidate who belong to a specific category. Moreover, these candidates promise sectarian representation above national service and giving primacy to a particular community.

Elections in Iraq are often not an opportunity to reinforce democratic practice and the best and most competent people to serve their society. However, the contrary has happened. They have in fact become arenas of partisan, tribe, and factional power whereby various allegiances override merit and professional qualifications.

Field observations and community monitoring show that tribal leaders steer the votes of their members towards a candidate from the same tribe. Furthermore, this is irrespective of the educational background and administrative and political capabilities of the candidate. Through such irrational and unprincipled practices, the electoral process became a renewal of traditional authority, in which personal, tribal and partisan allegiances dominate and democratic principles based on fair play and the conscious, independent choice are absent.

In the proximity of upcoming parliament elections, it has become quite visible that a number of candidate quite incompetent´-or-without any merit are being pushed merely due to their tribal identity, especially those tribes which have numerical strength. As they do not have the qualities of a leader and a governing person, they still manage to get huge votes because of this dynamic. Thus, often the results of elections reflect the balance of partisan and tribal power more than the balance of national competence. The phenomenon further undermines the structure and -function-ing of state institutions given the continued dominance of partisan and ethnic loyalties in political representation, appointments and the sharing of public goods. Such practices perpetuate an unfair culture that hinders equal opportunities for all. In addition, they help marginalize independent and young professionals with reform-oriented programs and modern visions of national development who are unable to cope with powerful tribal and political networks.

Taking advantage of one’s political party´-or-tribe for personal interests rather than for public service is a serious impediment´-or-arguably the biggest impediment to practicing and consolidating democracy in Iraq. It also supports the establishment of modern state institutions based on competence, justice and citizenship. To handle this age old issue, there is a need to enhance political awareness amongst the voters through mass media campaigns and civic education programs that should emphasis on conscious choice, in addition to persuading citizens to assess candidates based on qualifications and achievements rather than party´-or-tribe.

Iraq must put an end to the influence of parties, tribes and sects in the political arena in order to construct a real democracy. This requires ending fanaticism and narrow affiliation and replacing it with true citizenship and belonging to a nation. Although this is a daunting task, it is one we must take on to ultimately guarantee a more safe, fair and united future for all Iraqis, something which all Iraqis genuinely want.

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