The Ein Network for Election and Democracy Monitoring organized an awareness forum dedicated to tribal sheikhs and religious leaders in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate on August 25, 2025. The activity came as part of the project “Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Participation and Freedom of Media,” in partnership with Tammuz and Shams Networks, with the support of the European Union, and in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA).

The forum witnessed active participation from a group of tribal sheikhs, community leaders, and religious figures in the governorate. Discussions addressed the challenges facing the electoral process in Iraq, particularly the phenomenon of vote-buying and the use of social pressure and threats, which participants described as dangerous practices that undermine democracy and weaken voters’ trust in elections. It was also emphasized that Islamic teachings and authentic tribal values reject such practices and instead encourage choosing candidates based on integrity, competence, and the ability to serve society.

Participants stressed that tribal leaders and religious figures play a pivotal role in raising public awareness and in highlighting the importance of meaningful electoral participation that reflects the genuine will of the voters. They also underlined the need to combat rumors and misinformation by relying on credible sources of information, while calling on the media to adopt a responsible discourse that promotes facts and educates citizens.

At the conclusion of the forum, attendees recommended the continuation of such meetings in Al-Diwaniyah and other Iraqi governorates, given their direct impact on building a fair electoral culture, strengthening civic participation, and consolidating the values of transparency and democracy within Iraqi society.