ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq’s parliament is facing growing criticism as its fifth term nears an unproductive end. The parliament has held only 132 out of 256 sessions that were scheduled at the start of its term, and passed just seven laws in its most recent legislative cycle; three of which were passed together in a single package, while nearly 150 laws remain stalled.

Independent lawmaker Ahmed al-Sharmani told The New Region that political disputes have paralyzed the parliament’s work.

“Political disagreements killed the parliament’s legislative and oversight roles,” Sharmani said. “The council’s term is over because powerful parties are blocking sessions through political deals between blocs and parties.”

Sharmani believed the parliament will not hold any more sessions in the few months left before the upcoming elections in November. He said many lawmakers are already focused on early campaigning.

“The council’s role has ended,” he said. “Even though some members want to bring it back to life, the ruling powers are stopping them with their controlling majority.”

“Worst term ever”

Political analyst Hussein al-Asaad labeled the parliament’s fifth term as the worst in Iraq’s history.

“From the very first day, the fifth term has been full of political fights,” Asaad told The New Region. “These conflicts have severely hurt the parliament’s ability to do its job. There are no real sessions, no proper oversight, and certain political groups are stopping MPs from doing their duties.”

“This is the worst term ever for Iraq’s parliament,” Asaad said. “I don’t think any future parliament will be worse.”

Since it began in 2022, the legislature has not questioned a single minister, despite multiple accusations of corruption and poor performance in several ministries.