A coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani secured the most votes in Iraq’s parliamentary election, the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced on Wednesday, positioning him strongly for a second term in office.
According to the commission, Sudani’s coalition received 1.317 million votes in Tuesday’s election, outpacing all rivals in a contest closely watched as a test of Iraq’s political stability.
Earlier, Reuters had reported Sudani’s lead, citing two officials from the commission familiar with preliminary results.
The election, which saw a turnout of 56.11%, marks the first major political test since Sudani took office in 2022. He has portrayed himself as a unifying figure capable of steering Iraq toward recovery after years of political paralysis, economic challenges, and corruption scandals.
“The voter turnout is clear evidence of another success, reflected in the restoration of confidence in the political system,” Sudani said in a televised address following the announcement.
However, analysts say disillusionment remains high among Iraq’s younger population, many of whom view the vote as an exercise for entrenched parties to redistribute Iraq’s vast oil wealth rather than bring about reform.
Protest movements that began in 2019 calling for change have largely fizzled amid frustration and crackdowns.
While Sudani’s bloc leads the vote, no single party or coalition commands a majority in Iraq’s 329-member parliament, meaning complex negotiations lie ahead.
Forming a new government will require building alliances across Iraq’s fragmented political landscape, a process that in the past has taken months and often deepened sectarian and political rivalries.
Sudani, who came to power with backing from powerful Shi’ite factions, has sought to project independence from the traditional party networks that dominate Iraq’s politics.
He has pledged to improve services, tackle corruption, and diversify Iraq’s economy beyond oil, though progress has been slow.
The official certification of results is expected in the coming days after review of complaints and appeals.
If confirmed, Sudani’s first-place finish will cement his status as the frontrunner to retain the premiership, though the formation of a stable government will once again hinge on delicate coalition-building among Iraq’s competing blocs.
Source: Reuters
Written By Rodney Mbua
