Iraq Elections 2025: Premier Al-Sudani's Coalition Leads Without Majority

BAGHDAD — Iraq's parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, concluded with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's Coalition for Reconstruction and Development securing the most votes, according to preliminary results from the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). Despite this lead, no single coalition achieved a majority in the 329-seat Council of Representatives, setting the stage for complex negotiations to form a new government.

The IHEC reported a voter turnout of 56.11%, a notable increase from the 41% recorded in the 2021 elections. This rise in participation occurred despite the boycott by the influential Sadrist Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, which significantly impacted turnout in its strongholds, including Baghdad's Sadr City.

Al-Sudani's coalition emerged as the leading bloc in eight out of Iraq's 18 provinces, including Baghdad and Najaf. The Progress Party, led by former Parliament Speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi, and the State of Law Coalition, headed by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, also secured substantial seats. In the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by Masoud Barzani, dominated the polls, reaffirming its position as the region's strongest political force.

The elections were closely monitored by over 1,200 international observers, including representatives from the United Nations, the European Union, and the League of Arab States. The United Nations commended the "effective preparation and conduct" of the elections, emphasizing the importance of a timely and peaceful government formation process.

Security measures were stringent, particularly in areas like Baghdad's Sadr City and Basra. While the election process was largely peaceful, isolated incidents occurred, such as violent clashes in Kirkuk between political party supporters, resulting in the deaths of two police officers. Additionally, authorities arrested dozens for trafficking voter cards, raising concerns about electoral integrity.

The increased voter turnout suggests a renewed engagement in Iraq's political process, despite widespread disillusionment with the political elite. The absence of the Sadrist Movement from the elections could lead to significant shifts in Iraq's political landscape, potentially affecting the formation of the new government and future policy directions. The involvement of international observers underscores the global interest in Iraq's democratic stability and the broader implications for regional dynamics, particularly concerning U.S. and Iranian influence.

As Iraq embarks on the process of forming a new government, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the country's political trajectory and its role in the broader Middle East region.