15 March، 2026
In a second dialogue session focused on the procedural, technical, and problematic aspects of Iraq's electoral law, Al-Rafidain Center for Dialogue (RCD) hosted a panel of experts and specialists. The event, held in the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Hall under the title "Passing the Electoral Law: Between the Dominance of Traditional Powers and the Ambitions of Independents," saw significant attendance from academic and official figures.
The panel of speakers included:
• Dr. Ahmed Sami Al-Mamouri: Deputy Executive Director (Moderator)
• Dr. Saad Al-Abdali: Expert in Electoral Affairs
• Dr. Abdul Jabbar Ahmed Abdullah: Former Dean of the College of Political Science, University of Baghdad
• Mr. Yasser Al-Salim: Member of the Political Bureau of the Iraqi Communist Party
• Dr. Asaad Kadhim Shabib: Professor of Political Science, University of Kufa

Dr. Saad Al-Abdali reviewed the latest preparations by the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC). He outlined IHEC's position on procedural matters should the elections be conducted under a law different from the previous one or according to the controversial Sainte-Laguë method. Dr. Al-Abdali also presented his own stance on the ongoing political and public debate regarding the most suitable electoral law for the upcoming stage.

Dr. Abdul Jabbar Ahmed Abdullah raised several issues reflected in past electoral laws and methods. He pointed to significant reservations about the current law's failure to resolve the problems associated with the Sainte-Laguë method, especially given the desire of the large political blocs to pass it.

Mr. Yasser Al-Salim expressed the fears of new and emerging political blocs regarding the Sainte-Laguë law. He asserted that the large and influential blocs in the Iraqi Parliament are pushing for its passage to exclude their competitors and remain in power.

In his analysis, Dr. Asaad Kadhim Shabib linked the crisis of authority and the political process in Iraq to election outcomes. He argued that the passage of laws consistently reflects the agenda of the dominant blocs in Parliament, without regard for the Iraqi people's ambitions for change and the building of a stable state.