Iraq elections results were announced on November 17, confirming a high voter turnout and unexpected shifts in political power. The parliamentary elections took place on November 11 and marked the sixth vote since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion. Over 56 percent of eligible voters participated, with Sunni and Kurdish communities doubling their participation compared to 2021.
The newly formed Rebuilding and Development coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani emerged as the largest single bloc. It secured 46 seats across 12 of Iraq’s 18 provinces. This coalition includes factions linked to the Popular Mobilization Forces, notably under leaders Falih Fayadh and Ahmed Al-Asadi. However, analysts warn that past political divisions within these factions may complicate Al-Sudani’s ability to maintain unity.
Shiite parties saw mixed results. The State of Law coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, lost seats, dropping from 38 to 29. Meanwhile, the Sadoun bloc, aligned with Qais Al-Khazali’s Iran-backed Asaib Ahl al-Haq, made significant gains, rising from nine seats to 27. Badr Organization, led by Hadi Al-Amiri, increased its independent share from 13 to 18 seats. Other Shiite factions, including the Hikma-led State Forces coalition and the Hezbollah-linked Rights faction, also secured multiple seats.
Sunni representation remained stable at 67 seats despite a surge in voter participation. Speaker Mohammed Halbousi retained influence, with his Taqadum party winning 27 seats, a decrease from previous elections, while allied parties contributed additional seats to his bloc. The Azm coalition gained a modest increase, holding 15 seats.
In the Kurdish region, participation doubled to 2.1 million voters. The Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by Masoud Barzani, won over one million votes but saw its parliamentary share slightly decrease from 31 to 27 seats. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan gained one seat to reach 18, and emerging movements like the Teachers’ protest-linked Patriotic Position won five seats. Other smaller Kurdish parties secured minimal representation.
Secular and liberal parties experienced major losses, including the Civil Movement and the Alternative coalition led by former Najaf Governor Adnan Al-Zurfi. Their inability to convert public dissatisfaction into electoral gains signals challenges for Iraq’s non-sectarian political forces.
No party achieved an outright majority, meaning coalition negotiations will determine the next government. Al-Sudani may need to align with other Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish factions. The outcome highlights the enduring influence of Iran-linked groups and the complexities of Iraq’s post-2003 political framework.
Iraq elections results indicate both continuity and change, setting the stage for negotiations over the country’s leadership. Future government formation depends on strategic alliances among competing coalitions.