ERBIL — Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) said on Monday that a total of 270 political parties have officially registered to participate in the upcoming provincial council elections in Kirkuk and various other provinces.

This will mark the first provincial council elections held in Iraq since April, 2023, and they are expected to be a pivotal moment for the nation's political landscape.

Apart from the registered parties and entities, IHEC noted that approximately 15 other parties have expressed their intention to take part in the elections, which are set to take place in December, this year.

However, these entities are presently undergoing the necessary procedures to obtain the required license, Haiman Tahsin, the director of the party department of the High Election Commission, said in a press release today.

In addition to the registered parties, there are nine political coalitions that have submitted applications to participate in the upcoming vote. This is alongside 42 previous coalitions that have shown interest in being part of this electoral process.

The provincial council elections hold significant importance for Iraq, as they play a crucial role in shaping local governance and representation.