What's happened
Iraq's November 2025 parliamentary elections resulted in no clear majority, with Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition leading but requiring extensive coalition-building. Voter turnout was 56.11%, with regional variations. Political factions are now negotiating to form a government amid ongoing fragmentation and regional influences.
What's behind the headline?
The current political landscape in Iraq underscores the deep fragmentation within its parliamentary system. The election results reveal a continued dominance of Shia factions aligned with Iran, yet the lack of a clear majority indicates ongoing instability. The coalition-building process will likely be prolonged, with regional influences intensifying the complexity. The fact that Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition is the largest but still requires extensive negotiations suggests that Iraq's political future remains uncertain. External actors, particularly Iran and the US, will continue to exert influence, shaping the next government’s composition and policies. The election's regional variations in turnout and voting patterns highlight the persistent sectarian and ethnic divides that complicate governance. Ultimately, Iraq faces a prolonged period of political bargaining, with the potential for further instability if factions fail to reach consensus.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports that Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition remains the largest bloc but faces opposition within the Coordination Framework, with some factions opposing his renomination. The articles highlight that the election results have not produced a clear majority, and coalition negotiations are ongoing, with external influences from Iran and the US playing a significant role. The New York Times and Al Jazeera emphasize the prolonged and complex nature of forming a government, noting that no party has secured a majority and that regional and sectarian divides persist. Reuters and Sky News detail the election's turnout and the regional variations, illustrating the ongoing political fragmentation. Overall, the coverage underscores the uncertainty and regional influence shaping Iraq's political trajectory post-election.
How we got here
The 2025 Iraqi elections followed years of political instability, with multiple factions vying for influence. Prime Minister al-Sudani's coalition emerged as the largest bloc, but no party secured a majority. The election was marked by regional and sectarian dynamics, with voter turnout reaching 56.11%. The process of forming a government involves complex negotiations among Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish parties, influenced by regional powers Iran and the US. Previous elections saw similar fragmentation, with coalition-building taking months, and the current political landscape remains highly uncertain.
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