Peregraf- Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan said on Saturday that the formation of the next federal government could be completed earlier than the maximum constitutional timeline — but emphasized that holding the parliamentary elections on November 11 represents a constitutional violation, as the timing is not supported by any legal text.
Zidan stressed that although the Constitution sets maximum deadlines for each stage of government formation, political actors are not obligated to wait until those deadlines expire. Swift action by parliament and major parties, he said, could shorten the post-election process significantly.
Zidan highlighted that holding the parliamentary elections on November 11 "represents a clear violation, as it is not based on any constitutional or legal text."
Constitutional Timeline and Potential Acceleration
In a statement released Saturday, Zidan said the constitutional process for forming a new government is designed to unfold within approximately four months from the announcement of final election results.
However, he said this period could be reduced if parliament moves quickly through the required stages.
He noted that the Constitution outlines a clear sequence:
1.The newly elected parliament convenes under its eldest member to elect the speaker and two deputies — Article 55.
2. The parliament then elects the president within 30 days — Article 72.
3. The president assigns the largest bloc to form a government within 15 days — Article 76(First).
4. The prime minister-designate has 30 days to present a cabinet to parliament — Article 76(Second).
Zidan stated that if parliament efficiently completes each step, a new cabinet could be formed by early January 2026, rather than March.
Election Timing "Clearly Unconstitutional"
According to Article 56, parliamentary elections must be held 45 days before the end of the legislative term.
Since the current parliament began on January 9, 2022, its term ends in January 2026 — meaning elections should have been held on November 24, 2025.
Zidan said for that reason, organizing elections on November 11, 2025, falls outside constitutional requirements.
He added that the Constitution includes no penalties or legal consequences for delays or violations in the timelines, which has repeatedly allowed political processes to extend well beyond designated limits.
Government formation in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region routinely takes many months. The Kurdistan Region held parliamentary elections in October 2024 but parties have still not agreed on a new cabinet.
Special Voting Underway
Zidan’s remarks came as Iraq began special voting for the 2025 parliamentary elections on Saturday, enabling security forces and internally displaced persons to vote ahead of the November 11 general polling.
IHEC spokesperson Jumana Ghalay told Peregraf that 1,313,908 Iraqis are eligible to participate in the special ballot. Voting is taking place at 809 centers containing 4,501 polling stations across the country.
In the Kurdistan Region, 270,219 security personnel from the Ministry of Peshmerga and the Ministry of Interior are eligible to vote.
Additionally, 26,538 displaced persons (IDPs) are casting ballots at 27 centers equipped with 97 polling stations.
General Elections November 11
More than 20 million Iraqis are eligible to vote in the November 11 general election, which will determine the makeup of the 329-seat parliament.
A total of 6,896 candidates are competing nationally, including 302 candidates from the Kurdistan Region, which holds 46 seats, including two Christian quota seats — one in Erbil and one in Dohuk.