Al Jazeera News Updates Polls open for Iraq elections, India car explosion
Nov 11, 2025
Key topics include Iraq's parliamentary elections, highlighting the proportional representation system and allocation of key offices among sects. The podcast also discusses the Caesar Act, detailing its origins and the impact of US sanctions following leaked torture photos. In a tragic report, listeners learn about a devastating car explosion near Delhi's Red Fort, which has left many casualties, with ongoing investigations into the cause.
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Record Female Participation And Legal Quotas
- Iraqi law mandates 25% of parliamentary seats for women and nine reserved for religious minorities.
- A record number of women are running in this election, increasing female political participation.
Sect-Based Power Balance In Iraq
- Iraq's election features a record 7,700+ candidates competing for 329 seats under proportional representation.
- Power is distributed by sect: Speaker Sunni, President Kurdish, Prime Minister Shia, with 25% female quotas and minority seats.
Former Militant's Closed-Door Meeting With Trump
- Afman al-Shara, once an al-Qaeda commander with a $10m bounty, met President Trump in largely closed meetings.
- Shara discussed future investment opportunities in Syria, including extracting gas.