Baghdad’s Tahrir Square erupted in fireworks and music late on November 13, 2025, as supporters of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani flocked to celebrate what he called a decisive victory in Iraq’s latest general election. The mood was jubilant, with crowds waving flags and singing, marking a rare moment of unity and optimism in a country more accustomed to political gridlock and regional tension. According to AFP, Sudani, who is seeking a second term, addressed the nation to cast the victory as one for all Iraqis, declaring in a televised speech: “I congratulate the country on your coalition winning first place in the parliamentary elections.” On X, he added, “Our coalition, ‘Reconstruction and Development’, is first,” expressing “deep gratitude to the Iraqi people for their support.”
The November 11 poll came at a time when Iraqis are hungry for change—seeking jobs, better infrastructure, and improvements in education and health. The election, the sixth since the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, was conducted in what many described as a transparent and peaceful manner. According to Iraq’s electoral commission, more than 12 million people—about 56% of the 21 million eligible voters—cast their ballots, the highest turnout since 2015. This was despite a boycott call from influential Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose absence from the contest was expected to dampen enthusiasm. Yet, as Press TV reported, the turnout was hailed by both Iraqi and regional leaders as proof of growing trust in Iraq’s political process.
Preliminary results released by the electoral commission on November 13 showed Sudani’s ‘Reconstruction and Development’ coalition in the lead with approximately 1.317 million votes, about 217,500 more than the next closest list, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by Masoud Barzani, which secured around 1.099 million votes. The Sunni Progress Party, headed by former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, followed with over 900,000 votes, and the State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, garnered more than 700,000. These figures, reported by Anadolu Agency, set the stage for complex coalition talks in the 329-member parliament.
Initial seat projections suggest Sudani’s coalition could claim 45 seats, Maliki’s coalition 30, the KDP and Halbousi’s Progress Party 27 each, Qais al-Khazali’s Sadiqoun bloc 26, Hadi al-Ameri’s Badr Organization 19, and Ammar al-Hakim’s State Forces Alliance 18. Yet, as always in Iraqi politics, these numbers are provisional and subject to change as negotiations begin. With no single bloc able to command an outright majority, the prime ministership—reserved for the Shiite majority under Iraq’s post-2003 system—will ultimately go to the candidate who can build the broadest coalition, often after painstaking months of bargaining.
Sudani’s path to a second term is far from guaranteed. He first rose to power three years ago, backed by the Coordination Framework, a powerful alliance of pro-Iran Shiite parties. But, as AFP noted, that alliance is now divided, with former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki reportedly likely to oppose Sudani’s reappointment. Analysts cited by Anadolu Agency suggest that other Shiite factions aligned with Iran may attempt to form a government with Sunni and Kurdish partners, potentially pushing Sudani into the opposition. The coming weeks are expected to be filled with intense political horse-trading as parties vie for top posts: the prime ministership for a Shiite, the speaker of parliament for a Sunni, and the largely ceremonial presidency for a Kurd.
There were notable surprises in the results. In Mosul’s largely Arab district, the KDP registered an unexpected win, outpacing both the Progress Party and Sudani’s coalition. Turkmen candidates also made history, winning four seats—two in Kirkuk, one in Mosul, and one in Baghdad—marking a first for their community. Minority quotas ensured representation for Christians, Yazidis, Feylis, Shabaks, and Mandaeans, reflecting Iraq’s diverse social fabric.
Voter turnout varied widely across the country. Dohuk in the north recorded the highest participation at 77.47 percent, followed by Erbil at 71.65 percent and Salahuddin at 66.98 percent. Baghdad’s Rusafa district and Maysan province saw the lowest turnout, at 41.55 and 42.15 percent respectively. Among individual candidates, Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led with over 96,000 votes, followed by Sudani with more than 92,000, and Halbousi with roughly 72,000.
The election drew praise from regional neighbors. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called Sudani to congratulate him, describing the vote as “a valuable achievement and a source of enhanced dignity and greatness for the friendly and brotherly nation of Iraq.” Pezeshkian expressed hope that relations between the two countries would “expand and advance in all areas, becoming even warmer and deeper than before.” Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, echoed these sentiments, calling the peaceful vote “a significant step forward in consolidating the democratic process in Iraq and in safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the nation.”
Sudani, in response, thanked Pezeshkian and highlighted the election’s transparent and calm conduct. He emphasized, “The people of Iraq once again demonstrated their commitment to the democratic experience and system they have achieved,” adding his hope that the results would “positively contribute to the continuation of Iraq’s path of construction and progress in recent years.”
During his tenure, Sudani has overseen a transformation in Baghdad, with new tunnels and bridges springing up across the capital. He has repeatedly stressed his commitment to “reconstruction and development,” even as Iraq continues to grapple with the legacy of war, occupation, and corruption. Many Iraqis, however, remain skeptical. As reported by AFP, some voters who boycotted the election dismissed it as a “sham that only benefits political elites and regional powers.” The challenge for the next government, whoever leads it, will be to deliver tangible improvements in daily life and restore faith in Iraq’s fragile democracy.
The United States’ shadow still looms large over Iraqi politics. The US-led invasion in 2003 and subsequent military campaigns have left deep scars. While the US declared an end to its combat mission in Iraq in 2021, around 2,500 American troops remain as advisors. The ongoing rivalry between Washington and Tehran continues to play out in Baghdad’s corridors of power, with Iran seeking to maintain its influence through allied parties and armed groups, while the US pushes to curtail Tehran’s reach.
As the country awaits the final certification of results, the next steps are already mapped out. The president will call the new parliament to convene within 15 days, with the oldest member presiding over the first session, which includes the election of a speaker and two deputies. The president must then be elected within 30 days, after which the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc will have a month to form a cabinet. If that effort fails, another candidate will be tasked with assembling a government. It’s a process that has sometimes dragged on for months, but for now, Iraqis are watching closely, hoping that this election might just mark a turning point.
For a nation that has endured so much, the promise of a new government—one that can deliver jobs, stability, and hope—feels both urgent and elusive. As fireworks fade over Tahrir Square, the real work of rebuilding Iraq’s future is only just beginning.
