Ballot Cards and Partisan Directives: Fears of Electoral Interference by Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF)

Informed political sources have disclosed the involvement of Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in electoral steering, sparking friction with the government.

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According to the sources, on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, PMF Chief of Staff Abdul Aziz al-Mohammedawi (known as Abu Fadak) has reportedly issued direct instructions to certain brigades, urging members to vote for candidates affiliated with PMF-linked armed factions.

These directives, reportedly circulated via WhatsApp, included orders for members to bring their electoral cards for “voting guidance purposes,” raising significant concerns within the Iraqi government.

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Violation of Electoral Law

Observers see the PMF’s actions as a blatant violation of electoral regulations and an infringement on Iraqi voters’ freedom, particularly given that the PMF participates in the “special voting” process. This grants them organizational leverage that could be exploited politically.

Questionable Loyalties

Though officially part of Iraq’s national security apparatus, many PMF factions are accused of being loyal to Iran, including Kataib Hezbollah and Asaib Ahl al-Haq.

These groups are believed to wield greater influence within the PMF than its official head, Faleh al-Fayyad, who is also a member of the current ruling coalition.

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Several PMF leaders—especially al-Mohammedawi, who was designated a terrorist by the United States in 2021 for allegedly suppressing protests and maintaining ties with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard—face accusations of politicizing security institutions in service of foreign agendas.

Electoral Influence and Growing Concern

With the PMF reportedly comprising over 200,000 members, these factions could wield significant electoral power, potentially tipping the scales in favor of certain political forces.

While the government emphasizes its commitment to fair and transparent elections, field developments—particularly PMF’s behavior—raise serious doubts about the neutrality of the process and stoke fears of a repeat of electoral manipulation seen in previous election cycles.

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