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1h ago

Al-Sudani’s Bloc Leads Iraq Election as Turnout Hits 56%, Triggering Coalition Talks

Preliminary tallies leave no majority, setting up bargaining that could elevate Kurdish parties as kingmakers.

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A man rides his scooter past posters and banner depicting political candidates from the rival blocs, competing for a seat in the Iraqi Council of Representatives, days before the Parliamentary elections, in Old Mosul, northern Iraq
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Supporters of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani cheer in Tahrir Square, Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, after results showed al-Sudani's bloc won the largest amount of seats in the parliamentary election. (AP Photo/Hadi Mizban)

Overview

  • Electoral authorities said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Change coalition received about 1.3 million votes, roughly 370,000 more than its nearest rival.
  • Preliminary results show al-Sudani’s list leading in eight provinces including Baghdad, Najaf, Karbala and other southern strongholds, but short of the seats needed to govern alone.
  • Turnout reached roughly 56% of registered voters despite a boycott by Muqtada al-Sadr, with participation lower in Sadr bastions such as Baghdad and Najaf.
  • Kurdish parties strengthened their leverage as the KDP took the most seats in Nineveh and the PUK led in Kirkuk, while the Tasmeem list topped Basra.
  • Militia-linked blocs such as Badr and Sadiqun won seats in some areas as parties prepare for government talks, against a backdrop of recent U.S.–Iraq security consultations and U.S. pressure to curb Iran‑aligned groups.