The Media Authority issues directives to media institutions regarding election silence.

The Media and Communications Commission issued a series of directives to media outlets on Thursday, emphasizing the need to adhere to the electoral silence period in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

In a statement reported by Iraq Times, the Commission indicated that it has begun direct coordination with the Independent High Electoral Commission to unify efforts aimed at ensuring the success of the parliamentary elections, in accordance with the Commission's announcement of the electoral silence period, which will commence on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 7:00 AM.

The Commission emphasized the importance of all media institutions, platforms, and outlets adhering to Article (6), paragraphs (2, 4, and 5) of the Regulations for Media Coverage in Elections, as follows:

1- Media outlets may not broadcast any election-related media coverage for any entity, coalition, or candidate during the electoral silence period, which begins at the end of the election campaign and ends with the closing of the last polling station.

2- All media outlets must respect this right and refrain from broadcasting any material that includes any form of direct or indirect election promotion for any of the entities, alliances, or candidates competing in these elections. Media outlets are also obligated to refrain from broadcasting any material intended to defame candidates, entities, or alliances competing in the elections during the electoral silence period.

3- Any statement or media material that includes a reference (for or against) to a candidate or political entity is considered election propaganda. This applies to programs, discussions, and materials rebroadcast during the electoral silence period.

The Commission affirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting responsible freedom of expression. “She called on all media institutions to be an active national partner in the success of the electoral process by adhering to the rules of electoral silence, and creating a suitable media environment for voters to choose their representatives away from the propaganda that has continued throughout the past weeks.”