Iraq PM's forms new political alliance ahead of November elections

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has formed a new political alliance with Faleh al-Fayyad, head of the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), ahead of parliamentary elections slated for 11 November. The move has sparked widespread controversy and raised constitutional concerns over the involvement of security figures in electoral politics.

The new coalition, known as the "Reconstruction and Development Alliance", includes al-Sudani's Al-Furatain Movement and Fayyad's National Contract Party, alongside several other political forces. These include Bilad Sumer, led by Labour Minister Ahmed al-Asadi, former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi's National Coalition, the "Innovation of Karbala" group headed by Governor Nassif al-Khattabi, and the Generations bloc led by MP Mohammed al-Sayhoud.

Critics have expressed alarm over Fayyad's participation, citing his current leadership of the PMF—a state-affiliated paramilitary umbrella group. Iraqi electoral law prohibits members of the armed forces and security agencies from political engagement or candidacy unless they resign and observe a cooling-off period. Opposition factions argue that the alliance undermines the separation between military and civilian spheres and sets a dangerous precedent.

Some members of the Iran-aligned Coordination Framework, previously supportive of Sudani, have voiced their unease. The Asaib Ahl al-Haq movement, led by Qais al-Khazali, is reportedly pushing for Fayyad's removal from the PMF.

"This coalition may grant Sudani considerable electoral weight, reshaping the balance of power within the Shia political camp," said Ghani al-Ghadban, an Iraqi political and security analyst, speaking to The New Arab.

"If the elections proceed in November, they will be fiercely contested. The political scene is awash with money on one side and uncontrolled weapons on the other. Many militia leaders have now formed parties and entered the electoral race."

Al-Ghadban also noted ongoing efforts to amend the electoral law—a move that could delay the vote.

"If the law is changed, elections would likely be postponed to mid-2026. This is seen by some as a strategy to constrain Sudani by placing his government in a caretaker role, limiting its executive powers."

Despite this, some lawmakers remain optimistic about the electoral timeline.

"The proposal to amend the electoral law has been circulating for some time, but most political factions have not supported it—that's why parliament has not reconvened," said Arian Taugozi, a Kurdish MP, in comments to TNA.

"I believe the amendment will not eventually be passed, and I'm confident the elections will still be held before the end of the year," Taugozi added. 

Sudani is seeking a second term, having governed since October 2022. His administration has been credited with reducing political tensions and improving service delivery, though critics remain wary of his increasing alignment with powerful security-linked figures and wasting public resources on buying supporters. 

As Iraq confronts a volatile domestic landscape and regional uncertainty—including instability in Syria and ongoing Iran-US tensions—the next few months are set to be critical for its democratic and security trajectory.