Iraq - November 2023

On 14 November, the Supreme Court suspended parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, following accusations of forgery. The ruling also removed lawmaker Laith Al Dulaimi, a member of al-Halbousi's Taqqadum party, who had accused al-Halbousi of forging his signature on a resignation letter.  Al Halbousi, a prominent Sunni political leader, expressed surprise at the decision and suggested it undermined national stability and violated the constitution. Taqadum Party called the ruling a ‘flagrant violation’ of the constitution and the ministers of culture, planning, and industry resigned in protest. Moreover, Taqadum legislators have initiated a parliamentary boycott in response to the legal action against al-Halbousi. It is anticipated that Sunni parties will appoint a new speaker before the provincial elections in December. The Court maintains that its decision, grounded in the Iraqi constitution, is final and unappealable. The court's decision is likely to impact Iraq's political landscape ahead of next month's provincial elections. As one of Iraq’s most influential Sunni politicians, al-Halbousi’s removal could stir sectarian tensions in the country.

Sources: The National News, Al Jazeera, AP News, Shafaq News, The New Arab