Iraq
Iraq exhibits low-range performance in two categories of the Global State of Democracy framework: Rights and Rule of Law, and it performs in the mid-range in Representation and Participation. It is among the bottom 25 per cent of countries for almost half of the factors in the framework. The Iraqi economy is highly reliant on oil revenues, which account for 42 per cent of its GDP and 85 per cent of the government’s budget. Socio-economic development has been hampered by a precarious state budget that is vulnerable to volatile global oil prices.
Iraq gained independence as a kingdom in 1932, following twelve years under British colonial rule. In 1958, it transitioned to a republic, and after a series of coups, the Ba'ath Party seized power in 1968. Saddam Hussein, the last leader from the Ba'ath Party, governed Iraq from 1979 until 2003. During the Ba'ath period, Iraq was characterized by a state-controlled economy and sectarian tensions. Iraq is a multi-ethnic country, and the former regime’s centralization of power among Sunnis led to the marginalization of Shiites and Kurds, who faced severe repression. The 2003 US-led invasion dismantled the Ba'athist regime, removing the Sunni-dominated power structure and leading to the emergence to power of previously suppressed Shia groups.
Competitive elections have taken place in Iraq since 2005. Despite the promulgation of a new constitution and governance mechanisms, including a form of federalism mostly applied to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a polarized and unstable political system and fragile democratic institutions remain. Iraq’s political system today is based on an informal consociational political system, known as ‘Muhasasa Ta’ifia’. While this quota-based power-sharing agreement was designed to ensure ethno-religious representation and accommodate various groups and political identities, it has in practice led to patronage, enabling the division of public resources among Shia-led ruling elites and their networks. Demands for reform during the 2019 October protests highlighted discontent with Iraq’s political system, but there has been little room for the emergence of alternative forms of democratic governance and political identification outside this framework.
Iraq is among the world’s bottom 25 per cent with regard to performance on Gender Equality. While the number of women parliamentarians has never been higher, women and adolescent girls are at serious risk of gender-based violence. Women’s increased political activism has also provoked patriarchal violence as well as more liberation for women. LGBTQIA+ rights continue to be threatened, including through increasingly repressive bills.
The fragility of the economy is aggravated by rampant politically sanctioned corruption that prevents public sector reform or service delivery, contributing to widespread poverty and economic stagnation. Limited progress in these areas has fueled discontent and distrust towards the ruling elites and the state. Ethno-sectarian dynamics and weak institutions have contributed to the fragmentation of Iraq’s security sector. High levels of violence continue to undermine citizens’ safety, negatively impacting the situation of minorities in Iraq.
Given the context, Iraq’s democratic achievements have been limited to holding elections, although with low rates of confidence in electoral integrity. Looking ahead, governance problems and poverty threaten the sustainability of the state. Popular discontent remains high, and the government’s violent response to citizen dissatisfaction highlights the fragility of its democratic transition. Civil liberties are violated daily and the general human rights situation remains a matter of concern to the international community.
Last Updated: June 2024
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
April 2024
Iraq’s legislature passes repressive anti-LGBTQIA+ law
On 27 April, Iraq’s unicameral legislature, the House of Representatives, passed a law that severely restricts the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in the country. In wording that has been criticised for being vague and overly broad, The Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality criminalises homosexuality for the first time in Iraq, prescribing a 10-to-15-year prison sentence for a person who engages in homosexual sex. It bans the promotion of homosexuality, prohibiting the activities of NGOs advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights. It also targets transgender people, criminalising those who undergo gender change procedures based on ‘desire and inclination’, as well as those who conduct such procedures. While homosexuality was not previously outlawed in Iraq, the LGBTQIA+ community has been prosecuted under morality laws and is subject to frequent violence and discrimination. Under the constitution, the Law will be considered ratified 15 days after it has been sent to the president by the legislature.
Sources: Shafaq News, British Broadcasting Corporation, The Guardian, Library of Congress, Constitution of Iraq
December 2023
Iraq holds first local elections in a decade
On 18 December, Iraq conducted its first set of provincial elections since 2013. The Independent High Electoral Commission announced the preliminary results, with a turnout of 41 per cent despite a boycott by influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. The ruling Shia Coordination Framework emerged as a major victor, securing 101 out of the 285 available seats. In terms of regional participation, Kirkuk had the highest participation at 66 per cent, where Kurdish candidates won the majority seats. In Baghdad, the coalition led by former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi secured the most votes, followed by a coalition of Iran-backed Shiite parties. Despite minor incidents including the detonation of a stun grenade at a polling station in Najaf and a helicopter crash near Kirkuk (causing one fatality and one injury), the elections were largely peaceful. Women constituted 28 per cent of the candidates and secured 75 seats in the provincial council elections.
Sources: Rudaw, The New Arab, Al Jazeera, Independent High Electoral Commission, Associated Press, French Research Center on Iraq
November 2023
Iraqi Court suspends parliament speaker amid controversy
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
August 2023
Repressive anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation introduced
On 15 August, the government proposed a law criminalizing homosexuality, penalizing transgender women and anyone perceived as ‘imitating women’ in public. The legislation, which labels same-sex relationships as ‘sexual perversion’, threatens up to seven years in prison and fines of 15 million dinars (11,500 USD) for promoting homosexuality, although it fails to define what this entails. On 9 August, Iraq’s Communications and Media Commission (CMC) directed all media outlets to replace the term ‘homosexuality’ with ‘sexual deviance’ in their published and broadcast language. In addition, the use of the term ‘gender’ was banned as the CMC claimed this language is incompatible with Iraqi society. This move, condemned by international NGOs, has intensified the marginalization of the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting hostility and discrimination.
Against this backdrop, anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric from Iraqi officials and clampdowns on human rights groups has intensified in recent months. Reports of violent attacks on LGBTQIA+ individuals, often unpunished, are increasing, pointing to a lack of legal protection.
Sources: Iraqi News Agency, Erasing 76 Crimes News, Human Rights Watch, Reuters, Nina News, Amnesty International, Middle East Eye
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GSoD Indices Data 2014-2023
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