Iraq PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani Claims Decisive Election Win

Baghdad, Iraq: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has declared victory in Iraq’s general election after early results placed his coalition, Reconstruction and Development, in the lead. The announcement marks a significant moment in the country’s political landscape, as Sudani positions himself for a second term amid high voter turnout and widespread public anticipation.

Supporters of Sudani flooded Baghdad’s Tahrir Square late on Wednesday, waving flags, setting off fireworks, and celebrating to the sound of music as the results were announced. The festive scenes reflected optimism among his followers, who view the win as a step toward stability and progress.

In a televised address, Sudani congratulated Iraqis on what he called a collective victory. “This is not just a win for our coalition, but for all Iraqis who believe in rebuilding our nation,” he said. On social media, he expressed deep gratitude to citizens for their support, emphasizing that the coalition’s focus would remain on “reconstruction and development.”

According to Iraq’s electoral commission, preliminary results showed Sudani’s coalition securing over 1.3 million votes — around 217,000 more than the nearest rival bloc. More than 12 million Iraqis cast their votes out of 21 million eligible citizens, despite calls for a boycott by influential Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

Challenges Ahead

While Sudani’s early lead is decisive, forming a new government could take time. Iraq’s political system divides power among its major communities: the prime minister is always a Shiite Muslim, the parliamentary speaker a Sunni, and the president a Kurd. Negotiations among parties and coalitions are expected to be lengthy, as alliances are crucial to securing a parliamentary majority in the 329-seat chamber.

Sudani’s coalition is projected to win about 50 seats, making it the largest single bloc, but not enough for an outright majority. The next step will involve extensive negotiations to form a government capable of addressing Iraq’s pressing challenges — from corruption and unemployment to deteriorating infrastructure.

A Vision of Growth and Stability

Since assuming office three years ago, Sudani has sought to position Iraq as a hub for reconstruction and growth. His tenure has seen visible infrastructure improvements across Baghdad, including new tunnels, bridges, and public projects aimed at boosting connectivity and commerce.

He has also maintained a careful diplomatic balance between Iraq’s key international partners — the United States and Iran — amid ongoing regional tensions. The prime minister has repeatedly stressed his commitment to protecting Iraq’s sovereignty and avoiding entanglement in foreign conflicts.

Despite these efforts, many Iraqis remain skeptical about whether the elections will bring real change. Critics argue that the entrenched political elite continues to dominate power-sharing arrangements, leaving little room for reform.

What Comes Next

Once final results are certified, lawmakers will begin the formal process of nominating the next prime minister — a process that could take weeks or even months. While Sudani’s re-election appears likely, his ability to form a stable and effective government will depend on negotiations with other major blocs and political factions.

As Iraq moves toward a new parliamentary term, citizens are watching closely to see whether promises of development, transparency, and reform will finally translate into tangible improvements in daily life.