Dhi Qar – August 30, 2025

The Ein Network for Election and Democracy Monitoring organized an awareness forum dedicated to tribal sheikhs and religious leaders in Dhi Qar Governorate, as part of the activities of the project “Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Participation and Freedom of the Media”, in partnership with the Tammuz and Shams networks, supported by the European Union, and in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid organization.

The forum addressed several issues related to elections, including combating defamation of candidates, preventing the spread of false information and disinformation campaigns, as well as limiting the use of uncontrolled weapons outside the authority of the state and their impact on the integrity of the electoral process.

Participants also focused on strengthening the role of voters in choosing competent and honest candidates, encouraging society to engage in conscious and active participation in elections, while emphasizing the importance of transparency and rejecting violence in electoral campaigns. The forum highlighted the vital role of religious leaders and tribal sheikhs in raising community awareness and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

The attendees stressed the need to protect electoral centers with the support of tribal leaders, in coordination with the relevant authorities, in order to secure a safe and calm environment that enables citizens to cast their votes freely. They also called for facilitating citizens’ participation in the elections, while underlining the significance of the religious and moral compass in guiding voters toward choosing the most deserving representatives.

Organizers affirmed that such activities contribute to strengthening democracy and societal stability, and encourage citizens to select the best candidates for the future of their governorate.