Tensions mount as election campaigning nears

Political tensions continue to mount ahead of Iraq’s elections as the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) intensifies its scrutiny of candidates and continues to disqualify large numbers on legal and procedural grounds. In recent weeks more than 500 candidates have been barred from contesting the polls. The commission has allowed electoral lists three days to submit replacements for disqualified candidates, though this option expires on September 3.