BAGHDAD — Iraq launched its special voting process on Sunday, allowing more than one million military personnel and thousands of internally displaced citizens to cast ballots ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and will operate until 6 p.m. (1500 GMT).

The Iraqi News Agency (INA) said more than 1.3 million members of the army and security forces are eligible to vote across 809 polling centers containing 4,501 stations nationwide.

The early voting enables security personnel — who will be responsible for protecting polling centers on Nov. 11, the day of general voting — to exercise their constitutional right.

In addition to the security forces, 26,538 internally displaced Iraqis are expected to vote on Sunday at 97 polling stations across 27 centers, INA reported.

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al Shammari said the process was proceeding “smoothly and in an organized manner” at fully secured electoral sites.

A total of 7,768 candidates — 5,520 men and 2,248 women — are competing for 329 seats in the Council of Representatives, which elects the president and approves the government. Roughly 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote, according to the electoral commission.

The current parliament, dominated by Shia parties and blocs, began its term on Jan. 9, 2022, and runs through Jan. 8, 2026. Iraqi law requires legislative elections to be held at least 45 days before a parliamentary term ends. — Agencies