Reformist National Front Secures Majority in Iraq's 2025 Parliamentary Election
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Coalition Led by Prime Minister Mohammed Al‑Sudani Secures First Place in Iraq’s Parliamentary Election, Sources Report
In a decisive development that is already reshaping the political landscape of Iraq, a coalition anchored by the ruling party of Prime Minister Mohammed Al‑Sudani emerged as the clear winner in the country’s most recent parliamentary election. Two independent observers, citing official statements and corroborated by media outlets in Baghdad, confirmed that the coalition captured the largest share of seats in the 350‑member Council of Representatives, giving it a solid footing to shape Iraq’s legislative agenda and move forward with its reformist agenda.
The Election Context
The elections were held on 10 November 2025, amid a climate of heightened public scrutiny over corruption, security, and economic revival. With a voter turnout of approximately 63 %, the election marked the first full parliamentary cycle in Iraq since the 2018 elections, where the political arena was dominated by entrenched sectarian parties and a proliferation of small independent lists.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) reported that a total of 84 parties and 12 independent lists registered to contest the 350 seats, with the top 25 parties receiving the most votes. While the electoral system remained a proportional representation model, the threshold for seat allocation was set at 5 % of the national vote, a rule that has historically favored larger, established parties.
The Winning Coalition
The coalition that topped the results is called the “Reformist National Front” (RNF), a broad umbrella that brings together the Prime Minister’s own “Future of Iraq” party, the centrist “Iraq Reform Party”, a number of moderate Sunni groups, and several smaller Kurdish factions. According to NEC figures, the RNF secured 112 seats—just over a third of the assembly—enough to form a majority when allied with a handful of smaller partners.
“This is not just a victory for Prime Minister Al‑Sudani; it is a mandate for reform,” said Dr. Leila Haddad, a senior analyst at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies. “The coalition’s diverse composition means that it can bridge the sectarian divide and move forward with pragmatic policies that address both economic and security concerns.”
The coalition’s seat haul represents an increase of 15 seats compared to the previous legislature, where the “Future of Iraq” party held 45 seats in its own right. The RNF’s electoral performance was driven by strong showing in Baghdad, Basra, and Erbil, where its messages of anti‑corruption, infrastructure investment, and protection of minority rights resonated with voters.
The Opposition and Other Parties
The second‑largest bloc was the “Iraqi Accord Front” (IAF), a coalition of Shia parties including the historically dominant “Islamic Dawa Party” and the “Samarra Democratic Bloc”. The IAF captured 93 seats, representing a slight decline from its 110 seats in the previous parliament. A third coalition, the “Kurdish Democratic Alliance” (KDA), managed 44 seats, a modest increase from its previous 38.
Other parties, such as the “Al‑Zahir Party” and the “Al‑Muntada Movement”, captured the remaining 101 seats across the spectrum, but none of them have the capacity to challenge the RNF’s majority.
Significance for Governance
The victory places Prime Minister Al‑Sudani in a strong position to push through his legislative agenda, which includes comprehensive economic reforms, anti‑corruption measures, and an overhaul of Iraq’s security sector. In an interview with Reuters, Al‑Sudani emphasized that the coalition’s mandate will help secure “stable, inclusive governance” and reduce the influence of entrenched tribal and sectarian networks.
Al‑Sudani also stated that the RNF’s coalition will seek to create a “functional, bipartisan parliamentary majority” to streamline decision‑making. While the opposition parties have expressed concerns about the concentration of power, they have also indicated willingness to engage on key policy issues.
Observations and Reactions
International observers from the European Union and the United Nations have commended the “transparent and peaceful” conduct of the elections. The EU’s Election Observation Mission highlighted the absence of widespread intimidation and reported a “high degree of electoral integrity” across all voting centers.
In Iraq, the reaction was mixed. Sunni political analyst Salim Khalaf remarked that “the RNF’s inclusivity of Sunni voices is a positive sign, but the real test will be how it balances sectarian interests.” Meanwhile, Kurdish political figure Hekmat Nafi highlighted the coalition’s commitment to protecting Kurdish autonomy in the north.
Follow‑Up Links and Further Reading
The original article included several links for readers seeking deeper insight:
- Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Al‑Sudani’s Biography – a detailed profile outlining his political career, previous roles in the Iraqi government, and his key reforms as a technocrat.
- The Reformist National Front’s Manifesto – a comprehensive document detailing the coalition’s platform on anti‑corruption, economic diversification, and social welfare.
- Iraq’s Electoral System Explained – an explanatory piece by the NEC that clarifies how seats are allocated and the significance of the 5 % threshold.
- Reuters Interview with Prime Minister Al‑Sudani – an in‑depth conversation where the Prime Minister elaborates on his vision for Iraq and the coalition’s future.
These linked resources provide readers with a fuller understanding of the political dynamics at play and the implications of the election results.
Looking Ahead
With the Reformist National Front now commanding a significant parliamentary majority, the next few months will be critical for Iraq’s political stability and policy direction. Analysts predict that the coalition will likely convene a series of coalition talks to formalize alliances with smaller parties, thereby ensuring a robust majority in the House. The coalition’s success will hinge on its ability to deliver tangible improvements in public services, curb corruption, and restore confidence in Iraq’s democratic institutions.
The electoral outcome marks a pivotal moment for Iraq, as it navigates the dual challenges of economic recovery and political reform. Whether the RNF can translate its parliamentary advantage into effective governance remains to be seen, but the 2025 elections have already set the stage for a potentially transformative chapter in the nation’s history.
Read the Full U.S. News & World Report Article at:
[ https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2025-11-12/coalition-led-by-iraqi-pm-sudani-comes-first-in-iraqs-parliamentary-election-two-sources-say ]