The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq (IHEC) announced that 627 candidates have so far been disqualified from the upcoming elections, with most removals linked to issues of accountability and justice.

IHEC spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai released the latest figures from the candidate vetting process for the Iraqi Council of Representatives elections, stating, “The total number of disqualified candidates has reached 627, and the reasons for exclusion vary.”

According to the Commission’s data, 290 candidates were barred under accountability and justice measures, meaning they were previously members of the dissolved Ba’ath Party.

Another 163 candidates were disqualified at the request of their electoral lists, allowing them to be replaced with other nominees.

A third group, 106 candidates, was disqualified because of a criminal record, the Commission confirmed.

The report also notes that four candidates were excluded for fraud, 15 by decision of the Supreme Judicial Council, and 34 others for failing to submit required documentation for candidacy in the parliamentary elections.

The Commission added that 10 Christian candidates were removed, as well as five others for different unspecified reasons, without disclosing further details.

According to the Commission, 7,440 candidates remain in the race, competing for 329 parliamentary seats.