In Iraq, public demands are rising for the dissolution of both the federal parliament and the Kurdistan Parliament due to perceived failures in fulfilling constitutional obligations, particularly the election of a president and the formation of a government.
More than five months after the general elections held on November 11, 2025, the federal parliament has been unable to form a new government. Similarly, the Kurdistan Parliament has failed to establish a government nearly a year and a half after the regional elections on October 20, 2024.
Details of the Event
A group of cultural elites and civil activists are working to gather one million signatures to support calls for the dissolution of both parliaments, reflecting a growing public dissatisfaction with the current political situation. They have launched a campaign on social media, sparking debate about the feasibility of these demands and the potential for them to be transformed into a legitimate constitutional process.
These calls come at a time when Iraq is experiencing political and security tensions, exacerbated by the repercussions of the ongoing American-Israeli-Iranian conflict in the region. In this context, writer and media figure Saadoun Mohsen Dhamd, one of the signatories of the "Iraqis" initiative, stated that the signature-gathering campaign represents a form of popular oversight in light of repeated constitutional violations.
Background & Context
The roots of the political crisis in Iraq can be traced back to the quota system established after 2003, which has led to rampant corruption and weakened institutions. This system has resulted in a lack of trust between citizens and the authorities, contributing to the current crisis. Observers note that the parliament has failed to meet the needs of the citizens, prompting them to demand its dissolution as a means of effecting change.
In this framework, the Iraqi judiciary, represented by the Supreme Federal Court, is preparing to consider a lawsuit challenging the legitimacy of the parliament's continued operation due to its failure to elect a president within the constitutional deadlines. This legal action is seen as a significant step that could impact the course of political events in the country.
Impact & Consequences
Opinions vary regarding the impact of these calls on the political situation in Iraq. Some experts believe that these campaigns could exert pressure on the parliament to expedite the election of a president and the formation of a government. Others argue that these calls lack a legal basis, as the Iraqi constitution precisely outlines the mechanisms for dissolving the parliament.
Constitutional law professor Wael Munther emphasizes that the Iraqi constitution of 2005 stipulates that dissolving the parliament requires the approval of an absolute majority of its members, rendering any calls outside this framework legally ineffective. Nevertheless, the political significance of these campaigns cannot be overlooked, as they may evolve into an effective pressure tool.
Regional Significance
The repercussions of the political crisis in Iraq extend beyond its borders, reflecting a state of instability that could affect conditions throughout the region. Amid regional tensions and ongoing wars, Iraq's failure to address its internal crises may exacerbate security and economic situations in neighboring countries.
In conclusion, the future of these calls hinges on their ability to transition from mere protest movements to effective political pressure capable of instigating change within the parliament itself or pushing it to advance the political landscape in Iraq toward improvement.