On 31 October, Iraq's Parliament elected Mahmoud al-Mashhadani as its new speaker, ending nearly a year of political deadlock. The position had been vacant since November 2023, when the Federal Supreme Court removed former speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi over forgery allegations. The Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament plays a key role in facilitating the effective functioning of the legislative process, managing debates and ensuring the timely passage of laws. The election of Al-Mashhadani follows months of negotiations, marking a rare moment of consensus in Iraq's divided parliament, where Sunni factions had struggled to agree on a replacement for the position, which is reserved for a Sunni Muslim.

Sources: Associated Press, The New Arab, Al Arabiya, International IDEA

On 4 August, Iraq’s parliament debated significant amendments to the Personal Status Law (PSL). The proposed changes would introduce an option for citizens to choose between the current secular PSL and a sect-specific religious law upon marriage. The changes have been controversial, with critics arguing that they could undermine gender equality by empowering religious authorities over civil courts. Concerns include potential legalization of child marriages and reduced divorce rights for women, as religious rulings might prevail over secular legal standards. This is the third attempt since 2014 to reform family law. The bill is supported by the Shia Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite parties opposing the Sadrist movement, which seeks to appeal to conservative voters ahead of the 2025 parliamentary elections. Observers caution that the bill may gain traction due to potential political maneuvering, as Sunni MPs might support it in exchange for backing on a controversial amendment to the amnesty law also undergoing parliamentary discussion.

Sources: Wilson Center, Shafaq, Brookings, The New Arab

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

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