EIN Network Organizes Electoral Awareness Forum for Religious Leaders and Tribal Chiefs in Babil as Part of the “Democracy and Transparency” Project
Babil – Thursday, June 19, 2025
As part of the “Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Engagement and Media Freedom” project, and with support from the European Union, the EIN Network for Monitoring Election and Democracy organized an electoral awareness forum for religious leaders and tribal chiefs in Babil. The forum was held in partnership with the Shams and Tammuz Networks, and in coordination with the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) / Babil Office.
The forum opened with a welcome speech by Thaer Al-Jubouri, representative of EIN in Babil, who emphasized the influential role that religious figures, tribal sheikhs, and community leaders play in strengthening public participation in the electoral process. He also praised the success of the first phase of the awareness program, which saw a notable increase in voter registration—a process that officially closed the morning of the forum—highlighting the positive impact of coordinated efforts between monitoring networks and IHEC.
The forum featured a comprehensive presentation on the awareness program and the broader framework of the forums, followed by a detailed briefing from Qaaf Mahdi Mousa and Wisam Abbas Ouda, representatives of the IHEC Babil Office. They explained the structure and responsibilities of the commission, general and special voting procedures, and the role expected of religious and tribal leaders in supporting the success of the elections.
The forum included interactive discussions that addressed key challenges facing the electoral process, particularly those related to remote and rural areas. Several issues were identified that require practical solutions to improve access and encourage broader voter participation.
The event was marked by the presence of prominent religious and tribal figures with significant influence in their communities, along with media coverage that accompanied the forum’s proceedings and highlighted its core messages. In conclusion, participants expressed appreciation for the efforts of EIN and its partners, commending the forum’s content and impact. Representatives from the IHEC also praised the network’s active role in supporting the electoral process in Babil.
