Council of Representatives of Iraq

Council of Representatives of Iraq
Name	Council of Representatives
Native name	مجلس النواب العراقي
Transcription name	Majlis an-Nuwwāb al-ʿIrāqiyy
Legislature	Federal government of Iraq
House type	Unicameral
Body	Parliament of Iraq
Term limits	None
Foundation	2005
Preceded by	Transitional National Assembly
Leader1 type	Speaker
Leader1	Mohamed al-Halbousi
Election1	15 September 2018
Leader2 type	First Deputy Speaker
Leader2	Mohanad al-Masoudi
Election2	9 January 2024
Leader3 type	Second Deputy Speaker
Leader3	Shakhawan Abdullah
Election3	9 January 2024
Members	329
Political groups1	Government (275), State Administration Coalition (275), Taqadum (47), State of Law Coalition (43), Kurdistan Democratic Party (37), Al-Azm Alliance (21), Fatah Alliance (17), Kurdistan Alliance (17), Victory Alliance (6), New Generation Movement (5), Iraqi Turkmen Front (5), Babylon Movement (4), National Contract Alliance (3), Iraqi Republican Assembly (2), Iraqi Nation Alliance (2), National Independent Elites (2), Iraqi Communist Party (1), Other parties (62), Opposition (54), Sadiqoun (15), Emtidad Movement (9), Ishraqat Kanon (5), National Approach Alliance (4), Tasmim Alliance (3), Iraqi Ummah Party (2), Iraqi Constitutional Party (1), Other parties (15)
Last election1	10 October 2021
Next election1	On or before 2025
Meeting place	Green Zone, Baghdad
Website	parliament.iq

Council of Representatives of Iraq. The Council of Representatives is the unicameral national legislature of the Federal government of Iraq, established by the Constitution of Iraq ratified in 2005. It holds the primary legislative authority in the country, tasked with enacting federal laws, approving treaties, and overseeing the executive branch led by the Prime Minister of Iraq. The council convenes within the heavily fortified Green Zone in the capital, Baghdad.

History

The modern council was formed following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the dissolution of the previous Revolutionary Command Council under Saddam Hussein. Its first iteration was the Transitional National Assembly elected in January 2005, which drafted the permanent constitution. The first constitutional council was elected in December 2005, leading to the government of Nouri al-Maliki. Subsequent elections have been marked by sectarian tensions, protests such as the 2019–2021 Iraqi protests, and significant political shifts, including the rise of Muqtada al-Sadr's Sadrist Movement and the complex negotiations following the 2021 Iraqi parliamentary election.

Powers and duties

The council's constitutional powers include legislating on matters reserved for the federal government, ratifying international treaties and agreements, and approving the appointment of key officials like the President of Iraq, the Federal Supreme Court judges, and the Iraqi Armed Forces Chief of Staff. It exercises oversight through questioning ministers, including the Prime Minister of Iraq, and can withdraw confidence from the Council of Ministers. It is also responsible for approving the federal budget and declaring war and a state of emergency upon the request of the President of Iraq.

Composition and elections

The council consists of 329 members elected for four-year terms through a system of proportional representation in multiple-seat constituencies. Seats are allocated to the country's 18 governorates based on population, with specific quotas reserved for components like Christians, Yazidis, Shabaks, and Mandaeans. The Independent High Electoral Commission administers elections. The most recent election was held in October 2021, which saw significant gains for the Sadrist Movement led by Muqtada al-Sadr, though political deadlock ensued.

Leadership and committees

The council is presided over by a Speaker, currently Mohamed al-Halbousi, assisted by two deputy speakers. The speaker's role is crucial in managing legislative sessions and representing the council externally. Work is organized through permanent specialized committees, such as those for security, finance, oil and gas, foreign relations, and human rights. These committees review proposed legislation, conduct investigations, and hold hearings with officials from ministries and independent commissions.

Relationship with other government bodies

The council interacts closely with the executive and judicial branches as defined by the Constitution of Iraq. It elects the President of Iraq by a two-thirds majority, who then tasks the largest council bloc to form the Council of Ministers. The council must approve the government program and can question or dismiss ministers. It also interacts with the Federal Supreme Court, which can interpret the constitution and review the legality of laws. Furthermore, it works with the Kurdistan Parliament in Erbil on issues pertaining to the Kurdistan Region.

Building and facilities

The council convenes in a purpose-built assembly building within the Green Zone, an international district in central Baghdad established after the 2003 invasion of Iraq. The Green Zone also houses other key institutions like the Prime Minister's Office, the Republican Palace, and numerous foreign embassies. The assembly complex includes the main chamber, offices for the speaker and blocs, committee rooms, and extensive security infrastructure due to past threats from groups like the Islamic State and Iran-aligned militias.

Category:National legislatures Category:Politics of Iraq Category:Government of Iraq