Al-Halbousi takes surprising turn in Iraqi provincial council elections

BAGHDAD, December 20 — Preliminary results from Iraq’s provincial council elections on Monday showed former Parliament Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi’s unexpected success in certain governates.

Results were announced by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and showed Al-Halbousi secured victories in Baghdad and Anbar governates.

According to initial figures, the Taqadum Party, led by Halbousi, amassed over 132,000 votes in Baghdad, surpassing former Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition, which gained 130,000 votes.

Electoral results for Taqadum Party across Iraq:

– Baghdad: first, with 132,000 votes
– Anbar: first, with 154,000 votes
– Diyala: second, with 75,000 votes
– Salah Al-Din: fourth, with 48,000 votes
– Nineveh: fifth, with 71,000 votes

Total votes: 483,411