Candidates for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections face a profound lack of confidence among voters with many openly expressing their intentions to boycott the polls. Public and private conversations as well as social media platforms are abuzz with Iraqis voicing their deep disillusionment with the political system.

The widespread disenchantment with Iraqi politics has embarrassed thousands of candidates representing some 150 political parties and alliances preparing to run in the elections as they step up campaigning ahead of Oct. 10....