Invalid Ballots in the Kurdistan Region Increase by Over 82,000 in One Year

In the span of just one year and across two separate elections, the number of invalid ballots in the Kurdistan Region has risen by more than 82,000, according to new data from the Kurdistan Institute for Elections (KIE).

KIE’s report shows that during the sixth Kurdistan Parliament elections held on 20 October 2024, a total of 206,434 invalid votes were recorded across the region.

However, in the sixth Iraqi parliamentary election cycle held on 11 November 2025, the number of invalid ballots in the Kurdistan Region climbed sharply to 289,205.

This marks an increase of 82,771 invalid votes between the two elections.

The significant rise has raised new questions about voter education, ballot design, political dissatisfaction, and the overall integrity of electoral processes in the region. Election observers have urged authorities to investigate the causes behind the surge and to introduce clearer instructions and stronger safeguards in future elections.