Iraq’s IHEC Confirms Printing of Ballot Papers with Strict Security Features

PUKMEDIA

Voting machine.

Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced that ballot papers for the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November 2025, are being printed in line with the highest security standards, including hidden security markings, confirming that a total of 23,555,500 ballot papers have been produced.

IHEC Spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai told PUKMEDIA: “The number of ballot papers allocated for general voters reached 22,046,200, and for special elections, 1,509,300. Reserve papers were also approved to cover operational needs for the electoral phase.”

Ghalai confirmed that the ballot papers are being printed according to strict security standards, including hidden markings, specialised inks that can only be detected by designated devices, and features designed to prevent copying. 

She noted that a specially manufactured paper is also being used, containing markings similar to those found on banknotes, along with additional confidential identifiers to guarantee the integrity of the vote.

On 14 September 2025, the IHEC also announced its approval of the final distribution of polling centres and stations for general, special, and displaced voters.

According to its statement:

Total number of voters: 21,404,291

 - General voters: 20,063,773
 - Special voters: 1,313,980
 - IDP voters: 26,538

Voting centres and stations

 - General voting: 8,703 centres with 39,285 stations
 - Special voting: 809 centres with 4,501 stations
 - IDP voting: 97 centres with 321 stations



PUKMEDIA