A coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani came first in Iraq's parliamentary election, the Independent High Electoral Commission said on Wednesday. His coalition received 1.317 million votes in Tuesday's election, the commission said.
Al-Sudani was seeking a second term, but many young voters viewed the ballot largely as a vehicle for established parties to divide Iraq’s oil revenues.
He positioned himself as a leader capable of steering Iraq out of years of instability, highlighting steps he had taken against entrenched parties that had helped bring him to power.
The electoral commission said voter turnout reached 56.11%.
"The voter turnout is clear evidence of another success, reflected in the restoration of confidence in the political system,” al-Sudani said in a televised speech following the announcement of the initial results.
No single party can form a government alone in Iraq’s 329-member legislature. Parties must form alliances with other groups to establish an administration, a complex process that can take months.
Election results and expert analysis
Omar Ahmed, head of the Independent High Electoral Commission, said the process had been professional and impartial. Preliminary results show the Reconstruction and Development Coalition received 411,026 votes, placing first, while the Taqaddum (Progress) Party came second with 284,109 votes.
Activist and political analyst Ali Muallem noted that higher voter turnout was a positive sign, particularly given the boycott by the Sadrist Movement. However, liberal and Tishreen (October) movement groups saw weak performance. Muallem added that lists linked to armed factions face major challenges, with regional backers currently weakened, compelling these groups to adapt to new international realities.
He also said the formation of the next government will depend heavily on alliance-building, particularly within the Shia bloc, and if Sudani secures 60–70 seats, this could strengthen his position for the premiership.
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The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
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