Who really won Iraq’s elections?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Alfadhel AhmadDecember 29, 2025 at 12:12 PM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

Iraq's new parliament is convening after recent elections, with the key question being who will lead the next government. Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, weakened by a court ruling, is seeking alliances to secure the premiership. His political bloc won a significant number of seats, but he is now compelled to work within the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF). A major challenge for the SCF is addressing the shift in power, as traditional Shia parties lost ground while Shia parties with armed wings, many pro-Iran and under US sanctions, gained considerable influence. This rise of armed factions within the SCF presents complications for Iraq's international relations and domestic stability.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

United States 50% Baghdad 60% Reconstruction and Development Coalition (RDC) ×260% Iran ×260% Federal Supreme Court (FSC) ×270% Shia Coordination Framework (SCF) ×580% Iraq ×780% Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ×690%

Keywords

iraq elections 90% government formation 80% shia coordination framework 70% mohammed shia al-sudani 70% political alliances 70% armed groups 70% iran influence 60% domestic pressures 50% international pressures 50% prime minister 50%