In the heart of Baghdad, Anwar Ibrahim, a 25-year-old pro-democracy activist, stands as an embodiment of frustration with Iraq’s entrenched political elite.

For the upcoming elections on November 11, he is among thousands of young Iraqis who have decided to run for parliament, seeking to disrupt the sectarian politics that have long dominated the country.

This surge in youth participation marks a significant moment in Iraq's democratic journey.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, political power has remained within a select circle, with a handful of parties controlling both the state and its vast oil wealth.

Despite widespread skepticism regarding the potential for change, the presence of numerous young candidates indicates a growing desire among Iraq’s youth to have a say in shaping their country's future.

A report by Iraq’s High Electoral Commission reveals that approximately 40% of registered candidates are under the age of 40, with around 15% falling between 28 and 35 years old.

This demographic shift contrasts sharply with the current parliament, where lawmakers average around 55 years in age.

The youth candidates represent a broad spectrum of Iraq’s diverse population, including both Shia and Sunni minorities.

The fresh influx of young candidates is not without challenges.

They face the daunting task of breaking into established political networks that have entrenched themselves through patronage and control over jobs, contracts, and security positions.

These barriers are designed to ensure loyalty and limit opportunities for outsiders.

Constitutional expert Kadhum Al-Bahadli elaborates on this challenge, stating that changing this cycle would require significant political will and a realignment of economic and security power.

The aspirations of these young candidates extend beyond mere participation.

They seek substantial reform, including changes to the electoral law, the establishment of an independent elections committee, and efforts to curb the influence of Iranian-backed militias over Iraqi politics.

Encouraged by recent regional developments, such as Israel's strikes on Iran, they believe that these actions may weaken Iraq’s pro-Iran factions.

However, the path to change is fraught with peril.

Armed Shiite groups, wary of losing their influence and control, are prepared to resist any attempts at reform.

The 2019 protests over unemployment, poor public services, and corruption highlighted this resistance, culminating in a violent crackdown that resulted in 149 deaths, many of which were caused by fatal head or chest injuries.

Youth candidate Hussein Al-Ghurabi voices these concerns: "We are worried about attempts to prevent change.

Parties with armed wings will try to block any real transformation in the political process in Iraq and may use their weapons against us".

The stakes are high, and failure could lead to dire consequences for Iraqi democracy.

In this context, the upcoming elections present both an opportunity and a challenge.

Will these young candidates succeed in breaking the cycle of sectarianism and pushing for meaningful reform?

Or will they face insurmountable obstacles, leaving Iraq’s political landscape unchanged?

Only time will tell.