Overview of the Baghdad electoral map

Some 45 electoral lists will compete in Baghdad province for 49 provincial council seats. But the contest will largely be played out between 8 leading coalitions. Of the 45 lists, only 10 are established parties with seats in parliament.

The electoral system is based on proportional representation with each province designated a single electoral district. Under such a system, the key to maximizing the chances of winning seats is to run as a broad coalition. Despite this, some 18 independent candidates are competing in Baghdad, in addition to 17 small parties, all of which stand little chance of winning any seats.

Baghdad province’s election will feature four leading Shia coalitions and four leading Sunni coalitions: