• Reports indicate that the authorities have temporarily closed off all entrances to the Green Zone in Baghdad during the morning hours of October 11. 
• The closure is being implemented as the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) is expected to announce the results of the parliamentary election held on October 10.  
• Holders of Green Zone badges will still be allowed entry pending thorough security inspections. 

Parliamentary elections were held in Iraq on October 10. While domestic and international efforts were made to ensure free and fair democratic elections, large segments of the Iraqi populace remain disillusioned with Iraqi officials and the electoral process, primarily due to the perception of government corruption. This is partially reflected in the low voter turnout recorded on October 10, which will undermine the legitimacy of the election results. FORECAST: Given that the IHEC has stated on October 11 that it will announce the results “soon”, protests denouncing the election’s outcome are possible over the coming hours in Baghdad. Thus, the closure of the entrances to Baghdad’s Green Zone is likely a precautionary measure should protesters attempt to march towards the area and unrest be recorded in the vicinity of the compound. This may also result in disruptions to traffic in the vicinity of the Green Zone in Baghdad over the coming hours.  

Those operating or residing in Baghdad on October 11 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the Green Zone due to the potential for protests and unrest over the coming hours.