EU praises Iraq’s electoral process, urges government formation reflecting voters’ will

BAGHDAD — The European Union commended Iraqi voters for participating in the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections, calling it “an important opportunity for Iraq to strengthen its institutions, ensuring inclusiveness and accountability, and consolidate its political future.”

In a statement issued Wednesday, the EU welcomed the work of Iraqi authorities, the Independent High Electoral Commission, and civil society in organizing the election. The bloc said it had deployed an Election Expert Mission, following an invitation from the Iraqi commission, to assess the electoral process. The mission’s findings will be shared with Iraqi authorities.

The statement added, “The EU now encourages the political actors to support the formation of a government that reflects the will of the Iraqi people.”

The EU reiterated its “unequivocal support to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq,” noting the country’s stability is “even more important amidst a shifting geopolitical context in the Middle East.”

IHEC released preliminary results from the 2025 parliamentary elections during a press conference in Baghdad on Wednesday evening, confirming the Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as the leading bloc.

IHEC said 99.98% of general polling stations have reported results, with nationwide turnout reaching 56.11%. A total of 12,009,453 Iraqis voted out of 21,404,291 registered voters, including ballots from the general, special, and displaced-persons votes.