Shayma Sami is running for Mohammed al-Halbousi’s Taqadum Party in Iraq’s parliamentary elections, but judging by the campaign posters and billboards lining the streets of Kirkuk, you’d think it was her husband running for a parliamentary seat. Sheikh Ahmed Ibrahim appears on all promotional materials instead of his wife, and he and his relatives are campaigning on her behalf.

Photo: Rudaw English

“This is just a sign to show her office details. As you can see, there are many posters along the way that only bear the name and number of the candidate. We come from a tribal background. You do not try to win by putting up your picture. You have a name, tribe, folks, and relatives, and loved ones [who vote for you],” Ibrahim told Rudaw English.

Shayma Sami’s unusual political campaign has sparked a heated debate on social media, with women’s rights activists claiming that in order to secure people’s votes, she would have to be the one in the limelight instead of her husband, because it’s her name on the ballot.

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“From kitchen to parliament, it is very unfortunate. It will negatively impact the Kirkuk street,” said Srud Mohammed, head of the Iraqi Hope Organization. “If she is my representative, she must stand, be able to speak. How can she advocate for my rights when I do not know who she is… This tells us she has been used.”