BAGHDAD -- Candidates and political groups participating in Iraq's upcoming provincial elections have been penalized 69 times for violating campaign regulations.
Chief electoral officer Qassim al-Abboudi told RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq that most infractions are minor, such as plastering posters in places other than those listed by the electoral commission or using government offices for campaign purposes.
Penalties for campaign violations range from small fines to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Al-Abboudi said there have not been any ethical violations, an achievement recognized by an Arab League representative in Baghdad.
Officials say 14,431 candidates are competing for 440 seats on local government councils in the January 31 elections.
Chief electoral officer Qassim al-Abboudi told RFE/RL’s Radio Free Iraq that most infractions are minor, such as plastering posters in places other than those listed by the electoral commission or using government offices for campaign purposes.
Penalties for campaign violations range from small fines to imprisonment, depending on the seriousness of the offense.
Al-Abboudi said there have not been any ethical violations, an achievement recognized by an Arab League representative in Baghdad.
Officials say 14,431 candidates are competing for 440 seats on local government councils in the January 31 elections.