(MENAFN) Voting commenced in Iraq on Tuesday as citizens head to the polls to select a new parliament, determining the country’s political landscape for the next four years.

Around 21 million eligible voters are set to choose representatives for the 329-seat legislature, which will later elect the president and approve the government.

Polling stations are scheduled to close at 6 pm local time (1500 GMT), with no extensions planned.

Election outcomes are expected to be announced within 24 hours, with official confirmation following the resolution of any appeals.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani described the process as taking place "in a safe and stable atmosphere," praising the efforts of the security forces.

"The elections confirm the principle of peaceful transfer of power, and the government has paid great attention to that,” Sudani stated during a press briefing after voting in Baghdad.

The Iraqi leader emphasized that the elections are held on their constitutional schedule and with international observers present “to present a clear picture of the electoral process.”

Iraq’s previous parliamentary elections occurred on Oct. 10, 2021, following mass protests that led former Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi to step down. Mustafa Al-Kadhimi assumed office and oversaw those elections.

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