Driving the news:
The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) said on Wednesday that al-Sudani’s coalition received 1.3 million votes, around 370,000 more than its closest rival, in Tuesday’s nationwide election.
Why it matters:
While al-Sudani’s coalition came out ahead, it fell short of an outright majority, setting the stage for intense negotiations among the country’s top political forces to form the next government. Iraq’s post-2003 political system requires coalition-building across sectarian and ethnic lines, often leading to lengthy power-sharing talks.
What he’s saying:
Al-Sudani praised the 56 percent voter turnout, describing it as “clear evidence of another success” and a sign of “restoration of confidence in the political system.”
State of play:
- In this election, Shia candidates dominated in Shia-majority provinces, Sunni candidates led in Sunni areas, and Kurdish parties prevailed in the north. Yet, there were notable exceptions:
- In Nineveh, a predominantly Sunni province, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) won the most seats.
- In Diyala, which has a sizable Kurdish population, no Kurdish candidates were elected for the first time since 2005.
Political backdrop:
Al-Sudani, who became prime minister in 2022, campaigned on promises of economic recovery, anti-corruption measures, and national unity.
Go deeper:
Inside Iraq’s 2025 Parliamentary Election
Zohre Khazaee - Hossein Vaez
