On Monday, Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) confirmed the results of the November 11 parliamentary elections. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's Reconstruction and Development Coalition emerged as the largest single bloc; however, no party secured a majority.
IHEC reported that 99.07 per cent of polling stations had been counted. The remaining 111 stations did not affect seat allocations. The commission received 102 complaints, but none led to recounts or changes in the election results. Political groups have three days to submit appeals before the Federal Supreme Court ratifies the outcome.
Of Iraq's 46 million citizens, about 21.5 million were eligible to vote. Voter turnout reached 56.11 per cent, which is one of the highest rates in recent years. More than 12 million ballots were cast.
Prime Minister Sudani's Shia-led coalition won 46 seats, including 15 in Baghdad. The Sunni-led Progress Party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, secured 27 seats, while Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition took 29.
Other significant Shia parties include Sadiqoon, which is aligned with Qais al-Khazali's Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, and secured 28 seats. Hadi al-Ameri's Badr Organisation won 21 seats, Ammar al-Hakim's National State Forces Alliance took 18, and the Rights Movement (Huqooq) gained six.
Kurdish parties collectively won 58 seats. The Kurdistan Democratic Party prevailed in Erbil and Duhok, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led in Sulaimaniyah and Kirkuk. Minority quota seats went to Christian, Sabaean, Shabak, and Yazidi candidates.
After the IHEC announcement, the Shia-led Coordination Framework declared it had formally registered as the "largest parliamentary bloc". This move enables the coalition to nominate a prime minister, thereby significantly influencing the formation of the government. Leaders said the bloc intends to pursue "comprehensive national cooperation" and political stability, and has established committees to review government priorities and interview candidates for the premiership.
Under Iraq's post-2003 power-sharing system, the position of prime minister is reserved for a Shia Arab. The presidency is held by a Kurd, and the parliamentary speakership by a Sunni Arab. Reformists and younger voters widely criticise these arrangements.
On Monday, the Federal Supreme Court restricted the powers of the outgoing parliament and cabinet. Both are now limited to urgent daily affairs. They cannot sign international agreements, make major contracts, appoint senior officials, borrow funds, or propose new laws. The president keeps full powers until the new parliament convenes.
In the Kurdistan Region, the Kurdistan Democratic Party led in Erbil and Duhok, and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan prevailed in Sulaimani. In Kirkuk, a disputed province, seats went to the PUK, KDP, Taqaddum, the Turkmen Front, and smaller parties.
Once ratified, the new parliament must convene within 15 days to elect a speaker. Within the next 30 days, a president must be elected by a two-thirds majority of the members. This process typically involves coalition agreements among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish parties. The president then has 15 days to appoint a prime minister from the largest parliamentary bloc.
The United States welcomed the final election results. US Chargé d'Affaires Joshua Harris met Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein on Sunday. He called the elections "orderly and secure" and discussed regional developments. Officials also addressed the appointment of Mark Savaya, President Donald Trump’s new special envoy to Iraq, who is expected to play a significant role in US-Iraq relations.
With no party commanding a majority, Iraq enters a period of complex coalition talks. Analysts say the elections highlight the ongoing struggle to form a stable government. Deep divides remain in parliament and the country, which still faces sectarian splits, security threats, and economic hardship.
Although Sudani's coalition leads, the results confirm that it must build alliances with rival Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish groups, underlining the importance of coalition-building for stability and reform.