Iraq’s Four-Step Government Formation Process After Elections

After Iraq’s parliamentary elections, the process of forming a new government begins. This process has four major stages, which include selecting the Speaker of Parliament, the President, and the Prime Minister.

According to foreign media agency, once the initial election results are announced, Iraq enters a complicated political phase. This phase starts with legal objections and ends with the formation of a new government.

Based on the early results, the alliance Al-Imar wal Tanmiya, led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has won the most seats (46). It is followed by Nouri al-Maliki’s State of Law coalition and Mohammed al-Halbousi’s Taqaddum alliance.

The Four Stages of Government Formation

Legal expert Hameed Al-Sayegh explained that Iraq follows these four steps after elections:

1. Objections and Confirmation:
Candidates have three days to file objections to the results. A judicial committee then has 10 days to review these objections and finalize the results. After this, the Federal Court approves them.

2. First Session of Parliament:
Once the results are confirmed, the President has 15 days to call the first session of the new parliament. In this session, members elect the Speaker of Parliament and two deputies.

3. Election of the President:
Parliament must elect the President within 30 days, with a two-thirds majority (220 votes). This position traditionally goes to a Kurdish candidate.
The newly elected President then asks the largest parliamentary bloc to nominate the new Prime Minister.

4. Coalition Building and Government Formation:
Political parties then begin negotiations to form alliances and create a majority.
The nominated Prime Minister has 30 days to form a cabinet and seek a vote of confidence from parliament.

Possible Delays

Election researcher Mohammed Awad said that delays are very likely because the political situation is complex—similar to what happened after the 2021 elections. Close competition among political groups can slow down negotiations.

He added that international powers may also influence political agreements, especially regarding the choice of the next Prime Minister. Therefore, the post-election period is expected to include many challenges.

Iraq’s government formation process remains long and uncertain, shaped by legal procedures, political alliances, and external factors.