Sources: Iraqi PM Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's Coalition Secures "Major Victory" in Parliamentary Elections

Sources close to the coalition of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani have informed Agence France-Presse (AFP) that his list achieved a "very big victory" in the parliamentary elections held on Tuesday.

An official close to the Prime Minister stated: "The 'Development and Construction Bloc' achieved a very significant victory." Two other sources confirmed that the list is highly likely to have secured the "largest parliamentary bloc," potentially winning around 50 seats or more.

Al-Sudani and the "Coordination Framework" Power:

Al-Sudani emerged as a major political force after assuming power in 2022, backed by the "Coordination Framework" alliance, which currently holds the largest bloc in parliament. Although the Shiite parties within this Framework contested the latest elections separately, they are widely expected to re-unite after the results are announced to form the largest bloc responsible for nominating the Prime Minister.

Anticipated Political Process:

These elections initiate a two-fold political process:

1. Selection of the new President: A largely symbolic position traditionally reserved for the Kurds.

2. Nomination of the new Prime Minister: The most crucial executive office.

It is common knowledge that both processes are usually accomplished through political consensus and can take months, as happened in 2022 when Al-Sudani took office after a year-long deadlock caused by political disputes between the Sadrist Movement and the "Coordination Framework."

Results of Other Factions and Turnout:

• Sunni Parties: Also contested the elections separately, with former Parliament Speaker and influential politician Mohammed al-Halbousi expected to achieve significant gains.

• Kurdistan Region: The historical political rivalry continues between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The Electoral Commission reported a voter turnout exceeding 55 percent, a figure considered high given the boycott by Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr. These elections take place at a pivotal domestic and regional stage, following decades of conflict and widespread corruption that have devastated Iraq’s infrastructure.