The upcoming session has reignited debates over politically sensitive legislations, with lawmakers and factions locked in negotiations. [Getty]
Iraq‘s parliament has passed a law for the National Intelligence Agency behind closed doors, drawing criticism for a lack of transparency. Lawmakers are now preparing for a crucial session on Tuesday to vote on controversial draft laws, including amendments to the Personal Status Law, the General Amnesty Law, and amending the three-year national budget for 2023–2025.
The upcoming session has revived fierce debates over politically sensitive legislation, with factions locked in negotiations. Among the most divisive proposals is the Personal Status Law, criticised for provisions that allegedly marginalise women’s rights and introduce religious interpretations seen as incompatible with Iraq’s diverse cultural and religious makeup. Civil society organisations and political groups have voiced strong opposition to the amendments.
Efforts to pass the Personal Status Law as part of a package deal—alongside the General Amnesty Law, sought by Sunni blocs, and the Real Estate Law, backed by Kurdish factions—have repeatedly failed. Sunni political groups view the General Amnesty Law as vital for addressing judicial injustices and mass death sentences carried out under questionable legal processes. Kurdish blocs, meanwhile, are advocating for the Real Estate Law, which would return property confiscated under the Baath regime to its original owners, particularly in disputed areas between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
Delays in amending the three-year national budget, which includes $16 in operational costs for foreign oil companies in the Kurdistan Region, have further complicated the political landscape. The unresolved budget dispute has also postponed the resumption of northern oil exports, a critical revenue source for Iraq.
On Sunday, Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani chaired a meeting of parliamentary bloc leaders to address quorum issues that have stalled legislative progress. “The Council of Representatives must fulfil its legislative and oversight roles, especially on laws affecting the daily lives of Iraqis, such as the budget, the General Amnesty Law, and the Personal Status Law,” Al-Mashhadani stated.
He announced stricter measures to ensure parliamentary attendance, including a one million dinar fine for absentee MPs, the publication of absentees’ names on the council’s official website, and the resumption of electronic voting. Al-Mashhadani also pledged to activate ministerial questioning sessions to restore accountability.
The inclusion of the General Amnesty Law has prompted the Sunni-led “Taqaddum” bloc, led by former Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi, to end its boycott of parliamentary sessions. Sunni parties have reiterated the importance of addressing broader issues, including the return of displaced persons, resolving ‘de-Ba’athification’, and achieving balanced representation in state institutions.
As Tuesday’s session approaches, the stakes are high for Iraq‘s political stability. The ability to pass these contentious laws will test the strength of the fragile coalition government led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani. With unresolved tensions and public scrutiny mounting, the outcomes of the votes are expected to have far-reaching implications for Iraq‘s legislative process and governance.
