On November 11, 2025, Iraq held its sixth parliamentary elections, an event that has since rippled across the region and drawn international attention. Not only did these elections mark a pivotal moment for Iraq’s internal politics, but they also showcased the country’s evolving relationship with the world, including a notable gesture of support from South Africa. As the dust settles and coalition talks intensify, the aftermath of the vote is revealing both the promise and the pitfalls of Iraq’s revised electoral system, while raising questions about the future direction of its democracy.
South Africa was quick to commend Iraq’s achievement. According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, Pretoria extended “warm congratulations to Iraq for successfully holding its parliamentary elections,” emphasizing the vote as a “strong step toward stability.” South African officials praised the Iraqi people’s determination to sustain democracy and pledged to deepen bilateral ties in politics, business, and other sectors. “We also remain committed to collaborating with Iraq on matters related to global governance as well as promoting shared goals in pursuit of global and regional peace, security and development,” the department stated, underlining a mutual commitment to growth and cooperation.
The elections themselves were a logistical feat, with polling stations open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. across all provinces, including the Kurdistan Region. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) reported a turnout of over 55 percent, translating to more than 12 million voters from a pool of over 21 million eligible citizens. This represented an uptick compared to recent cycles, signaling renewed public engagement despite the country’s ongoing challenges.
But the real drama unfolded in the numbers and the new rules of the game. Iraq’s 2025 elections were the first major test of the amended Election Law No. 9 of 2020, reinstated in March 2023. This law restored each province as a single electoral district and introduced a Sainte-Laguë divisor of 1.7 for seat allocation—a significant shift from the 2021 model, which had divided provinces into 83 micro-districts and used a much lower divisor of 1.0. The result? A system that heavily favored established political blocs while making it considerably harder for smaller parties, independents, and reformists to gain a foothold in parliament.
The numbers tell the story. The Independent High Electoral Commission finalized the vote count on November 17, 2025, confirming that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development coalition had secured 46 seats in the 329-member parliament—about 1.3 million votes, outpacing the nearest competitor by roughly 370,000. The Progress party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, took 36 seats, and Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition landed 29. Badr, a core party within the Fatah Alliance, won 21 seats. Kurdish parties maintained a stable share, while Ishraqat Kanoun managed to increase its presence from six to ten seats. Yet, no single party achieved a majority, setting the stage for intricate coalition negotiations to determine the next prime minister and cabinet.
This outcome was anything but accidental. Legal expert Mohammed Jumaa told Shafaq News that the amended law was “designed from the outset for the major blocs,” explaining, “When the starting divisor exceeds 1.5, the system overwhelmingly favors large alliances. At 1.7, it becomes nearly impossible for small lists to win at all.” Independent politician Athir Al-Shar’a went further, calling the framework “a form of disguised authoritarianism,” suggesting that powerful parties used their financial and organizational muscle to block new entrants and maintain their grip on power.
The new electoral law also preserved a 25 percent quota for women and nine reserved seats for minority communities. However, these minority districts often become battlegrounds for larger sectarian parties, which can indirectly influence the outcome in areas with smaller populations and lower turnout. Reformist voices, which had made significant gains in the 2021 elections under the previous system, found themselves squeezed out under the new rules. Zuhair Al-Fatlawi, leader of Ishraqat Kanoun, acknowledged the steep climb for smaller lists, noting that “the revised Sainte-Laguë system significantly increased the difficulty for small lists and independents.” Despite his own party’s modest gains, he argued, “The new parliament must revisit the Law and lower the threshold. The effective representation threshold begins at 1.7 when it should have been 1.4.”
The immediate aftermath of the vote has been marked by legal challenges and uncertainty. On November 20, 2025, IHEC announced that more than 800 appeals had been filed against the preliminary results, as political blocs and candidates sought clarification and recourse over vote tallies. Jumana Ghalai, IHEC spokesperson, told Kurdistan24 that the commission is required to prepare a detailed report within seven days after the appeals period closes. The election judiciary will then have up to ten days to review the report and formally approve the final results, with certified outcomes expected in early December 2025. The sheer volume of appeals is likely to prolong the post-election review, making the composition of the incoming parliament anything but certain for now.
For Iraq, the stakes are high. The elections, called early to address public outcry over corruption and poor services, are seen as a chance to inject new energy into the government and tackle persistent issues like unemployment, infrastructure, and security. Iraq’s vast oil wealth means that a stable government is crucial not just for domestic growth but also for attracting foreign investment and strengthening regional ties. International observers, including the United Nations, praised the conduct of the vote, citing strong security measures, fair voting, and secret ballots.
South Africa’s congratulatory message reflects a broader hope that Iraq’s new government will steer the country toward greater stability and prosperity. Trade between the two nations already tops R1 billion annually, involving goods such as machinery, food, and chemicals. South Africa has supported Iraq’s rebuilding efforts in agriculture and green energy, recognizing the shared history of overcoming adversity—apartheid in South Africa and decades of conflict in Iraq. Both countries now look to deepen their partnership, with Pretoria pledging continued support for Iraq’s journey toward peace and development.
Yet, as the 2025 election results show, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The return to a system that privileges established parties may bring predictability and facilitate coalition building, but it also narrows the space for alternative voices and reformist movements. Experts warn that unless future amendments lower the electoral threshold and open the door to broader participation, Iraq risks entrenching the very political dynamics that have long fueled popular frustration.
In the coming weeks, as the appeals process unfolds and coalition talks pick up speed, Iraq’s leaders will face a familiar but urgent test: whether they can turn the mechanics of electoral victory into meaningful progress for a nation hungry for change.