Council of Representatives Passes Local Elections Law and Sets November 15 as Final Date for Voting

The Iraqi Council of Representatives approved, in an extended extraordinary session held today, Friday, the new local elections law in its final form after extensive discussions among political blocs. The session, which lasted more than eight hours, witnessed heated debates regarding the mechanism for distributing seats and women's representation, before reaching a consensual formula that satisfies the broad political spectrum. The law stipulates the adoption of the multiple constituencies system in governorates with high population density, while maintaining the single constituency system in less densely populated governorates. The law also set a 30% quota for women in local councils, which political observers considered a positive development towards women's empowerment and involvement in the political process. November 15th was set as the final date for holding elections in all Iraqi governorates except the Kurdistan Region, which is subject to an independent electoral system. The head of the Independent High Electoral Commission requested the necessary funding to be provided immediately to ensure the management of the electoral process fairly and transparently. The Speaker of the Council of Representatives stressed that the passage of this law represents a remarkable legislative achievement that contributes to strengthening democratic practice at the local level.