February 18, 2025

A weekly review of news and analysis of elections in the greater Middle East and North Africa, usually posted on Tuesdays and occasionally updated throughout the week.

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, built in the 8th century AD. Photo credit: Wikimedia/Roberta F. (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Upcoming Middle East Elections

Iraq Parliamentary Elections: Expected in October or November 2025 (delays possible)

Rudaw (February 13, 2025): Iraq’s dwindling Christians urge special voting status during elections

Lebanon Parliamentary Elections: May 2026 (due)

The Economist (February 13, 2025): Hizbullah’s decline is a boon for Lebanon’s new government

Washington Institute for Near East Policy (February 12, 2025): Lebanon’s New Government May Walk a Thin Line Between Promises and Compromises

Syria Elections: TBD

Ahmad Sharawi, Foundation for Defense of Democracies (February 14, 2025): Syria’s National Dialogue Committee: A Facade of Inclusivity

AFP (February 12, 2025): Syria to have new government on March 1, foreign minister says