The Electoral System and Its Role in Achieving Political Stability in Iraq

This study examines the role of the Iraqi electoral system in achieving political stability after 2003, by analyzing its legal development and its impact on the structure of the political system. The findings reveal that the repeated amendments to electoral laws—ranging from closed and open lists to multi-district systems—have failed to achieve the desired stability. Instead, they have contributed to the reproduction of traditional elites, the entrenchment of sectarian and partisan power-sharing, the erosion of public trust in the electoral process, and the decline of political participation. The research also shows that the current electoral framework has produced fragile consensus-based governments, limited the prospects for effective parliamentary opposition, and weakened state institutions. It concludes that electoral reform is a key prerequisite for enhancing political stability in Iraq, through adopting a more just and transparent system that combines proportional and individual representation, strengthens the independence of the electoral commission, regulates campaign financing, and opens space for youth and independent actors. Thus, reforming the electoral system is essential for rebuilding political legitimacy and consolidating the foundations of good governance in Iraq.