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Certification of election results opens new chapter in Iraq’s political conflict

Iraq's Federal Court has certified the recent election results, setting in motion the constitutional deadlines.

Employees of the Independent High Electoral Commission conduct a partial manual recount of votes for the Oct. 10 parliamentary elections, Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2021.
Employees of the Independent High Electoral Commission conduct a partial manual recount of votes for the Oct. 10 parliamentary elections, Baghdad, Iraq, Nov. 23, 2021. — Ahmad al-Rubaye/AFP via Getty Images

The Federal Court’s two decisions, issued the same day, to reject a lawsuit to cancel the October election and certify its results with no changes ended a protracted and bitter legal fight over the results, clearing the way for a political fight over the formation of the next government.

The certification means the constitutional clock starts ticking and deadlines have to be met: Within 15 days of the certification, the new parliament has to convene and elect its speaker. The biggest bloc has to be registered at the same session. Within 30 days of this parliamentary session, the parliament should elect a new president who will task the biggest bloc with forming the government.

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