Peregraf
The Iraqi Parliament convened this afternoon and approved an extension of the term for the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for an additional two years, now set to run from January 7, 2025, to January 6, 2027. This decision, which received backing from a majority of legislators, is intended to empower the commission to manage the sixth round of Iraqi parliamentary elections, which are slated for later this year.
The extension received further validation from the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council, which granted its approval on January 8, 2025. This action ensures that the IHEC possesses the legal authority to continue its functions without interruption as Iraq prepares for significant electoral events.
This is not the first occasion on which the IHEC's term has been prolonged. On May 22, 2024, the parliament unanimously approved a six-month extension to enable the commission to manage the Kurdistan parliamentary elections on October 20, 2024. That extension expired on January 7, 2025.
The last parliamentary elections in Iraq took place on October 10, 2021, with the current parliament commencing its term on January 9, 2022. According to constitutional requirements, parliamentary elections must occur at least 45 days prior to the conclusion of the four-year term. Therefore, the next national election must be held before November 25, 2025.
The IHEC's extended mandate highlights the necessity of ensuring continuity and readiness as Iraq navigates its intricate electoral and political environment.