CEPPS in Iraq

CEPPS commenced activities in Iraq in October 2018, just months after Iraq’s contentious 2018 parliamentary elections. The election featured Iraq’s lowest voter turnout of all time (official counts at 42%) and accusations of manipulation.

In response, CEPPS Iraq has supported Iraqi election officials, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), as well as civil society in preparation for the country’s next round of elections, aiming for a credible process with well-informed, engaged voters.

In late 2019, electoral support took on new urgency as citizens protested for more government accountability which led to the reconstitution of the IHEC board, the overhaul of national election laws, and a newly confirmed national government. Since then, CEPPS has remained at the forefront assisting Iraq’s transition to a new election commission and new electoral law.

To promote a more credible process and results, CEPPS supports IHEC’s capacity to plan, budget, and implement both local and national elections effectively and efficiently. CEPPS is helping a newly formed IHEC board to navigate the complexities of a contentious and unconfirmed electoral law, ensuring the transition is effective.

Simultaneously, CEPPS partners with Iraqi civil society organizations (CSOs) and equips them with civic education technical skills to ensure that citizens have accurate, compelling information leading up to the next election cycle. This includes increasing technical capacity of Iraqi CSOs through trainings on sub-award programs and financial management, social media content creation and strategic campaign implementation, and how to lead an effective civic education training session with local constituents.