On Sunday, December 14, 2025, Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision that sets the country’s political machinery in motion for another legislative term. In a closed-door session held in Baghdad and chaired by Chief Justice Mundhir Ibrahim Hussein, the court officially approved the final results of the 2025 parliamentary elections, according to statements reported by Shafaq News and IraqiNews.com. With all judges present, the session signaled the end of a months-long process that saw the resolution of hundreds of electoral appeals and the formal validation of Iraq’s new parliamentary makeup.
The approval, issued under case number 235/Federal/2025, is more than a mere procedural step. As stipulated by Article 93 (Seventh) of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, the court’s endorsement is final, binding, and—importantly—cannot be appealed. The court’s decision has now been formally communicated to Iraq’s three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial authorities. This act not only affirms the results but also paves the way for the next government to take shape.
The 2025 parliamentary elections, which concluded on November 11, marked Iraq’s sixth such contest since the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003. The turnout, as noted by Shafaq News, surpassed 56% nationwide—a figure that, in Iraq’s often turbulent political climate, reflects a notable level of public engagement. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced the final election results on November 17, 2025, following a meticulous review process.
But the journey from ballot boxes to court ratification was anything but straightforward. According to both Shafaq News and IraqiNews.com, the IHEC submitted the complete election documentation to the Federal Supreme Court on December 8, after addressing a staggering 853 appeals challenging the results. These appeals, processed by Iraq’s Electoral Judicial Panel earlier in December, represented the last legal hurdles before the court could render its verdict.
During the court’s closed session, the judges carefully examined the files and evidence presented by the IHEC. The court’s official statement, as reported by IraqiNews.com, emphasized that the election process for the sixth parliamentary cycle had met all constitutional and legal requirements. Echoing this, Shafaq News noted that the court found “no violations that would undermine the validity of the outcome.” The judges unanimously agreed that the general election process was conducted in accordance with Iraq’s legal framework, ensuring the integrity and legitimacy of the vote.
With the legal dust settled, the court’s endorsement confirmed the list of winning candidates as submitted by the electoral commission. The final breakdown of parliamentary seats, as reported by Shafaq News, saw Shiite parties securing 187 seats, Sunni blocs winning 77 seats, and Kurdish parties obtaining 56 seats. The Development and Reconstruction Coalition, led by outgoing Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, emerged as the largest single bloc with 46 seats, according to IraqiNews.com. This coalition’s strong showing positions it as a key player in the upcoming negotiations to form Iraq’s next government.
For many Iraqis, the court’s decision is a critical milestone. The Supreme Court’s authority, enshrined in Articles 93 and 94 of the Constitution and reinforced by the Federal Supreme Court Law, ensures that its rulings carry the full weight of law. Once the court has spoken, there is no higher appeal—meaning the political actors must now turn their attention to the business of governance rather than litigation.
The ratification also triggers the next phase in Iraq’s political process. With the election results now officially certified, the newly elected parliament is expected to convene in the coming weeks. This assembly will be responsible for selecting the country’s next president and, subsequently, nominating a prime minister tasked with forming a government. As IraqiNews.com points out, this period is likely to be marked by intense negotiations between the various political blocs, each vying for influence and cabinet positions.
The outcome of these negotiations will shape Iraq’s policy direction for the next four years. The Shiite parties, with their 187 seats, hold significant leverage, but they will need to build alliances with Sunni and Kurdish factions to secure a stable majority. The Development and Reconstruction Coalition’s 46 seats give it considerable bargaining power, especially given its leadership under the outgoing prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani.
Yet, as any observer of Iraqi politics knows, coalition-building is rarely straightforward. Deep-seated rivalries, regional interests, and sectarian concerns often complicate the process. In the past, protracted negotiations have sometimes delayed government formation for months, even as ordinary Iraqis await tangible improvements in security, services, and economic opportunity.
Still, the relatively high voter turnout and the court’s swift resolution of appeals may offer a glimmer of hope for a smoother transition this time around. The fact that the court found no significant violations lends credibility to the process, potentially reducing the risk of post-election unrest or claims of illegitimacy. As Shafaq News reported, the court “found no violations that would undermine the validity of the outcome,” a statement likely to reassure both domestic stakeholders and international observers.
Looking back, Iraq’s electoral process in 2025 was closely watched by the global community. The country’s stability remains a matter of regional and international concern, given its history of political volatility and its central role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The peaceful resolution of electoral disputes and the adherence to constitutional procedures are seen as positive signs for Iraq’s democratic development.
Of course, challenges remain. Iraq continues to grapple with economic pressures, security threats from remnants of extremist groups, and the ever-present specter of corruption. The new parliament and government will need to address these issues head-on if they hope to deliver on the promises made during the campaign season.
For now, though, the focus shifts to Baghdad’s halls of power, where newly elected lawmakers will soon gather to chart Iraq’s future. The Federal Supreme Court’s decision has cleared the path—now it’s up to the country’s political leaders to walk it.
