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.
At least 11 people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed when gunfire erupted at an illegal bar in Pretoria, with police launching a manhunt fo...
Qatar opened the Doha Forum with a stark warning that Gaza ceasefire talks have entered a critical moment, as officials said the current pause in figh...
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hikmat Hajiyev, has highlighted Baku’s commitment to advancing long-term peace in the Sout...
America's new National Security Strategy marks a sharp turn away from global policeman ambitions, revives a modern Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemi...
The European Union’s newly adopted Partnership Agenda with Armenia has prompted strong concern in Baku, where officials say several passages depart ...
At least 11 people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed when gunfire erupted at an illegal bar in Pretoria, with police launching a manhunt for three unidentified suspects.
The C5+1 meeting between Central Asian leaders and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington in early November signals the ascent of Central Asia to the status of a pivot in the bipolar geopolitical order.
China’s national security office in Hong Kong on Saturday cautioned foreign media against spreading “false information” or attempting to “smear” government efforts in responding to the city’s deadliest fire in nearly 80 years.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., has finalized the group stage for the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, setting the schedule and matchups for next summer’s expanded 48-team event.
Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged heavy fire along their shared border late on Friday, a reminder of how sensitive the frontier remains despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for its support of the claims by United Arab Emirates on three Iranian islands.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron to Chengdu on Friday, a rare gesture seemingly reserved for the head of Europe's second-largest economy that highlights Beijing's focus on Paris in its ties with the European Union.
The United States plans to extend its travel ban to over 30 countries, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Thursday.
At least 11 people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed when gunfire erupted at an illegal bar in Pretoria, with police launching a manhunt for three unidentified suspects.
Qatar opened the Doha Forum with a stark warning that Gaza ceasefire talks have entered a critical moment, as officials said the current pause in fighting cannot yet be described as a lasting halt to hostilities.
Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Hikmat Hajiyev, has highlighted Baku’s commitment to advancing long-term peace in the South Caucasus after taking part in a dedicated panel at the 23rd Doha Forum.
America's new National Security Strategy marks a sharp turn away from global policeman ambitions, revives a modern Monroe Doctrine in the Western Hemisphere and recasts China, Europe and long standing alliances through a bluntly transactional lens.
The European Union’s newly adopted Partnership Agenda with Armenia has prompted strong concern in Baku, where officials say several passages depart from factual accuracy and introduce political messages that could damage an already fragile negotiation environment.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment