The elections are taking place one year ahead of schedule following popular protests that broke out in October 2019 against the failure of successive governments to address the rising economic and political problems in the country

Protests against unemployment have been taking place for five days in a row in southern Iraq, causing massive fuel shortages in the region and adversely impacting oil production and refining at the Nasiriyah oil refinery

Protesters in the city of Nasiriyah were reportedly attacked by followers of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, leading to multiple deaths and injuries

Protesters claim that despite the months-long protests and change of government, none of their demands have been fulfilled. They warned of a strike from October 25 if their demands were not met

The protesters are also asking for a political transformation and fresh elections.

The protesters reiterated the demands from when the anti-government agitation began in October 2019. They took place despite the new prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi making conciliatory gestures and promising to address their demands

Adnan Al-Zurfi presented his proposed government to the Iraqi parliament which will debate and vote on its ratification. However, his nomination has been opposed by major Shia blocks, including the Fateh bloc and the Sairoon alliance

President Barham Salih declared Adnan al-Zurfi, the former governor of Najaf, the country’s new prime minister designate on March 17. Al-Zurfi may have a tough time winning parliamentary approval due to his perceived pro-US stance and allegations of corruption

The vote of confidence for the new government in Iraq will now take place on February 29, Saturday, to approve the cabinet proposed by prime minister-designate Mohammed Allawi

Nearly 150 protesters were also injured in the crackdown by security forces on Monday and Tuesday. Since the beginning of the protests on October 1, 2019, more than 500 people have been killed and over 25,000 injured

With the resolution of the Iraqi parliament demanding the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the country, the presence of the nearly 5,200 US soldiers has become a major flashpoint

Over 30 militia fighters were killed and 55 others injured in the US strikes which were a response to a rocket attack in which one US civilian contractor was killed