Iraqi elections

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani (R) and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (L) meet in Irbil on April 12, 2025.

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Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field

“We were shocked at Sudani’s audacity. Imagine the state we would have been in had he gotten his way,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish official speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor.

Amberin Zaman

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi addresses the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City on Sept. 23, 2022.

Former PM Kadhimi: Vote shows Iraqis turning toward new leadership

Mustafa al-Kadhimi told Al-Monitor that the strong performances of parties that ran on their own, as opposed to those on lists, indicate a desire to shake up the status quo.

People walk past electoral campaign posters ahead of Iraq's parliamentary elections in central Baghdad on Nov. 6, 2025.

Analysis

Iraq’s next PM? Shatri, Eidani, Kadhimi and others jostle for lead

A number of establishment figures are being circulated as potential candidates, though experts believe the Coordination Framework, a powerful Shiite coalition, will again have the final say.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Supporters of incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani wave national flags in front of a screen displaying his portrait as they celebrate following the announcement of preliminary election results in Baghdad on Nov. 12, 2025.

Analysis

How Iraq’s next government could shape the US-Iran rivalry

Millions of Iraqis headed to the polls last week to vote, but it could be months before a new government takes shape.

Elizabeth Hagedorn

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Latest News

Iraq’s Shiite alliance meets to chart strategy after Sudani comes first in election

A delivery person rides a motorcycle past election billboards for candidates and blocs competing in Iraq's upcoming November parliamentary election, including incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, displayed along a street in Baghdad on Oct. 3, 2025.

Analysis

Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Sudani ahead in early Iraq vote count, path to power uncertain

SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Will Iraq’s election results reshape Iran’s role in Baghdad?

People walk past electoral campaign posters ahead of Iraq's parliamentary elections in central Baghdad on Nov. 6, 2025.

A correspondent in Tehran

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

Why is holding early elections a nearly impossible task in Iraq?

Despite the promises of the Iraqi designate prime minister to hold early elections, it seems impossible to move forward with it.

Has Sadr lost the Iraqi street?

Iraqi populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, after playing to the hopes and grievances of everyday Iraqis, may be losing some of his following as he plays for advantage among Iraq's political factions.

Iraqi demonstrators and university students carry posters depicting the newly appointed Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, to express their rejection of him, during ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq February 2, 2020. REUTERS/Wissm al-Okili - RC2CSE9SET8I

Iraqi prime minister-designate faces pressure on Cabinet choices

Political pressure on the prime minister-designate, Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi, could bring him down before he even forms a government.

PMU factions set conditions for next Iraqi prime minister

Some pro-Iran factions of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units are demanding that candidates for prime minister meet their standards.

New electoral law raises controversy in Iraq

Some Iraqi political parties are complaining that the new elections law passed by the parliament is unfair and unworkable without a census; protesters — who essentially caused legislators to pass the law — also are dissatisfied.

Iraq on brink of abyss: What happens next?

The steadily increasing crisis in Iraq is getting deeper over time, opening the space for a total political collapse.

Judges to run Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission

The Iraqi parliament voted on a new electoral commission that will consist of independent judges.

Iraq's Ninevah province turns back on Shiite forces

The Ninevah provincial council has voted to replace a governor who was close to Iran-backed forces with a military man who is close to the United States.

Iraqi political blocs struggle to meet deadline to replace outgoing PM

As the constitutional deadline arrives, Iraqi political parties seem unable to select a new prime minister.

What comes after Iraqi PM's resignation?

Following the Iraqi prime minister's resignation, the parliament is to appoint a new prime minister and move forward with demanded reforms.

Is Iran trying to hijack Iraqi protesters’ demands?

Political parties in Baghdad that are close to Iran may be trying to use Iraqis' ongoing protests as an excuse to change the parliamentary system to a presidential one — something the protesters have never asked for.

Universities students hold the Iraqi flag as they take part in a protest over corruption, lack of jobs, and poor services, in Kerbala, Iraq October 28, 2019. REUTERS/Abdullah Dhiaa al-Deeen TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC1EFC6BF8F0

Intel: What’s fueling Iraqi anger at the government

Iraqi protesters have returned to the street in force over the past five days for the second time since early October.