‘A remarkable step’: PM Sudani praises Iraqis for ‘strengthening democracy’ as polls close on election day

BAGHDAD — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani praised citizens on Tuesday for their participation in the 2025 parliamentary elections, describing the vote as a step forward in strengthening Iraq’s democratic system and ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

In an official statement following the close of polling stations at 6 p.m., Al-Sudani said Iraqis from “all their brotherly national components and from every part of our beloved homeland have taken a remarkable step forward toward greater stability and progress, strengthening the democratic system that embodies their free constitutional will.”

He said that with “the successful organization and implementation of the sixth legislative elections, in accordance with legal and constitutional mechanisms, the government has fulfilled one of the most important commitments outlined in its executive program.” The vote, he added, reaffirmed Iraq’s “adherence to constitutional timelines and the peaceful transfer of power, confirming that the formation of government stems from the free choices of the Iraqi people.”

Polling stations across Iraq closed automatically at 6 p.m., with election workers beginning manual and electronic counting to verify results. More than 20 million Iraqis were eligible to vote in 19 governorates to elect members of the Council of Representatives.

Full statement from Al-Sudani:

Once again, our great Iraqi people, with all their brotherly national components and from every part of our beloved homeland, have taken a remarkable step forward toward greater stability and progress, strengthening the democratic system that embodies their free constitutional will and their determination to continue building the state and consolidating its institutions.

With the successful organization and implementation of the sixth legislative elections, in accordance with legal and constitutional mechanisms, the government has fulfilled one of the most significant commitments outlined in its executive program, as well as its obligation to adhere to constitutional timelines and requirements that ensure the peaceful transfer of power and affirm that the formation of government stems from the free choices of the Iraqi people.

On this occasion, I extend my deepest appreciation, gratitude, and respect to every patriotic Iraqi citizen who participated and expressed their trust in the democratic process by casting their vote, believing in the difficult yet noble path of democracy, a path for which Iraqis have made immeasurable sacrifices.

I also extend my sincere thanks to the legislative and judicial authorities, to our brave armed forces in all their branches and agencies, to the Independent High Electoral Commission, to the national political forces, to all public movements, social figures, civil society organizations, and to the media, press, and representatives of international organizations for their professional dedication, participation, support, and contribution, which played a decisive role in the success of the voting process.

May Allah protect Iraq and its people.
Mercy be upon all of Iraq’s martyrs who sacrificed their lives on the path of democracy, freedom, and state-building.

Mohammed S. Al-Sudani
Prime Minister
November 11, 2025