The Dean of the College of Law at the University of Babylon, Professor Miri Kazem, has clarified that Iraq’s newly elected House of Representatives will not be able to convene before January 9, 2026, even if all legal and constitutional procedures are completed earlier.
Speaking in a press statement, Kazem explained that this date marks the official end of the current parliamentary session, meaning that the next parliament can only begin its work after that point.
Legal and Procedural Timeline
Kazem noted that the recent parliamentary elections were conducted according to clear legal mechanisms, allowing political parties and candidates the right to appeal election results within three days of their official announcement by the Board of Commissioners.
He added that the judicial body for elections must decide on these appeals within ten working days, ensuring that the process remains transparent and legally sound.
Constitutional Requirements
From a constitutional perspective, Kazem pointed to Article 54 of the Iraqi Constitution, which states that the President of the Republic must call the new Council of Representatives to convene within fifteen days after the ratification of the election results. The article also specifies that the first session of the new parliament must be chaired by the oldest member.
However, Kazem highlighted an important detail in Article 93, which grants the Supreme Federal Court the authority to ratify election results but does not impose a time limit for doing so.
“This means the ratification period is not bound by a specific timeframe,” Kazem explained, emphasizing that the timing of the court’s ratification could vary depending on the circumstances.
Implications for Iraq’s Political Transition
The clarification means that, despite preliminary results being announced and political alliances beginning to form, the current parliament will continue until early January 2026.
This interval allows time for appeals, judicial reviews, and the formal ratification of results, ensuring that the transfer of parliamentary authority occurs in full compliance with Iraq’s legal and constitutional framework.
Observers note that this delay could influence coalition negotiations and the formation of the next government, as political blocs will likely use the transition period to secure alliances and finalize their strategies before the new session begins.
