DUBAI, UAE - Iraq’s efforts to amend its parliamentary election law have slowed down, despite growing political interest, with some lawmakers accusing others of intentionally delaying the process to keep the current rules in place.

Iraq is set to hold new parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, and the State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, has publicly called for changes to the election law. 

The group had planned to present its proposal during the last legislative session, but Parliament sessions were frequently delayed, blocking any formal debate.

Time is running out

On Sunday, a senior member of the State of Law Coalition said that while many politicians want to amend the law, the election timeline is making it difficult.

“There is strong political will from many parties and lawmakers to amend the election law,” Abdul Rahman al-Jazairi, a leader in the Coalition told The New Region. “But time is tight. If we push the amendment now, it could create political problems and delay preparations for the election.”

He added that even groups within the ruling alliance, including the Coordination Framework and the State Administration Coalition, are open to changes, but nothing is guaranteed.

“Politics is always changing,” he said. “Anything can happen when the new legislative session begins.”

Still a chance

Independent lawmaker Ahmad al-Sharmani agreed that the door is still open for changes.

“Amending the election law is still very possible,” Sharmani told The New Region. “There is strong support in Parliament. But there are political divisions. Some lawmakers may have purposely disrupted sessions to stop the amendment.”

He said new proposals are already being discussed and could be introduced when Parliament returns.

“One idea is to require any government official running for office to take mandatory leave,” he said. “This would prevent them from using their position to campaign unfairly.”

Lawmakers say time is running short, but if the political will remains strong, changes could still be made before Iraq heads to the polls.