Peregraf
A new parliamentary faction called “Reconstruction and Development”, consisting of 54 MPs, was officially announced in the Iraqi Parliament on Saturday. The faction is politically aligned with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and will serve as his base in the upcoming November 11, 2025parliamentary elections.
The formation of the bloc marks a key step in Al-Sudani’s bid for a second term, following his earlier declaration on April 16 that he will run for re-election. The new faction is expected to play a central role in mobilizing support for the prime minister’s campaign.
Since taking office in late 2022, Al-Sudani has prioritized anti-corruption, economic reform, and a balanced foreign policy, which are expected to be central themes of his re-election platform.
Meanwhile, the Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) has begun verifying the names of candidates for the upcoming elections. On June 27, IHEC spokesperson Jumana Ghalai confirmed that the candidate list has been submitted and the data auditing process is underway.
“The verification process will take time, given the large number of candidates across the Iraqi provinces,” Ghalai said, noting that the audit ensures eligibility, accuracy, and compliance with nomination rules.
IHEC has warned that legal action will be taken against individuals involved in electoral fraud, including buying voter cards or tampering with commission documents.
Candidates must meet strict criteria, including being Iraqi citizens, at least 30 years old, and holding at least a bachelor’s degree—though political parties may nominate up to 20% of candidates with only a high school diploma. Independent candidates must also secure 500 voter endorsements from their electoral districts.
The electoral commission is emphasizing transparency and legality in what is seen as a crucial vote that could shape Iraq’s political direction for years to come. Al-Sudani’s new bloc enters the race aiming to consolidate political momentum ahead of a competitive and closely watched election.