Iraq has set 11 November 2025 as the official date for its next parliamentary elections, a decision confirmed today by the Iraqi Cabinet and announced through Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s media office.

The Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC) expressed confidence in its preparations, with spokesperson Jumana Al-Ghlay stating, "The IHEC is fully prepared to oversee the elections." The commission aims to ensure a seamless and transparent voting process for what will be Iraq’s sixth parliamentary election since the 2003 US-UK invasion.

The announcement comes against a backdrop of heated discussions about potential changes to the electoral law and proposals to extend the current parliament’s term, which began on 9 January 2022 and is set to end on 8 January 2026. Per the Iraqi Constitution, elections must occur at least 45 days before the term expires, making the November date constitutionally sound. Despite calls from some members of the ruling Coordinating Framework to push back the vote, the coalition has officially rejected any delays, reaffirming its commitment to the legal timeline.

Lawmaker Sarwa Abdul Wahid took to social media to address concerns, dismissing suggestions of electoral law amendments as efforts to postpone the vote and prolong the current parliament’s tenure. She pointed to a Federal Court ruling that struck down attempts to extend elected councils’ terms, citing the successful cancellation of a regional parliament extension as precedent.

Iraq’s electoral system has seen significant shifts in recent years. The October 2021 election introduced a multidistrict framework in response to public pressure, moving away from a single-district model. However, a controversial amendment in March 2023 reverted the system to a single district per province, reigniting debates over how best to ensure fair representation.

As Iraq gears up for the November 2025 elections, the focus remains on maintaining security and democratic integrity. With the political stakes high, the nation’s leadership and citizens alike are bracing for a pivotal moment in its post-2003 democratic journey. (ILKHA)