Evaluating the Performance of the Iraqi Parliament During the Fourth and Fifth Legislative Terms (2018–2021) and (2021–2025)

Abstract

Abstract :

This study aims to assess the performance of the Iraqi Parliament during two consecutive legislative terms (2018–2021) and (2021–2025) by analyzing its effectiveness in legislation and oversight, as well as its capacity to address the political, economic, and social crises experienced by Iraq during this period. Throughout these two terms, the Council of Representatives encountered significant challenges, including political divisions among parliamentary blocs, the impact of the electoral system, the repercussions of the 2019 popular protests, external interventions, and major economic and health crises, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic.
Despite achieving certain legislative milestones such as the adoption of a new electoral law and the formation of a government following the 2021 elections the parliament demonstrated limited effectiveness in oversight and struggled to ensure governmental stability. The study concludes that parliamentary performance during the examined terms fell short of public expectations due to political polarization and weak institutional foundations. It recommends strengthening transparency, improving legislative and oversight mechanisms, and implementing constitutional and political reforms to enhance the stability and effectiveness of the parliamentary system in the future.