On Thursday, October 30 at 9:00 a.m. ET, the Iraq Initiative hosted an event examining the dynamics surrounding Iraq’s upcoming elections, how electoral outcomes will shape the government formation process, and how the elections could impact Iraqi policy.

As Iraq heads to the polls on November 11, the electoral landscape is marked by a mix of political fragmentation, public disillusionment, and shifting political alliances. As Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani seeks a second term amid high popular approval, he faces opposition from rival Shia political leaders and a political system designed to prevent consolidation of power. Nearly one year after the Kurdish parliamentary elections, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan enter elections without having formed a government, and Sunni political leaders remain divided. Amid this fractious political environment, many Iraqi voters will choose not to participate as they question whether Iraqi elections even matter.

This event brought together leading experts to unpack potential scenarios for government formation, explore public opinion trends, and discuss whether these elections will impact Iraqi foreign policy.

This event was streamed live on Atlantic Council TV, YouTube, Facebook, and X.

Welcome remarks

Victoria J. Taylor
Director, Iraq Initiative, Middle East Programs
Atlantic Council

Speakers

Maysoon Al-Damluji
Iraqi Politician and researcher

Yerevan Saeed
Nonresident Senior Fellow, Iraq Initiative
Atlantic Council

Omar Al-Nidawi
Iraq and Middle East Analyst
Enabling Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC)

Sajad Jiyad
Fellow
The Century Foundation

Moderated by

Hayder Al-Shakeri
Research Fellow, Middle East and North Africa Program
Chatham House

Related content

What to expect in Iraq’s 2025 elections

MENASource Sep 10, 2025

Ten questions (and expert answers) on Operation Inherent Resolve’s end in Iraq

By Atlantic Council experts

This new frontier in the US-Iraq relationship leaves many opportunities, challenges and unknowns. Our experts unpack it all.
Defense Policy Democratic Transitions
What to expect in Iraq’s 2025 elections

MENASource Oct 2, 2024

After Operation Inherent Resolve: How to not mess up US-Iraq security relations again

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The importance of broadening US relations with Iraq beyond counter-terror operations cannot be overstated.
Conflict Defense Policy
What to expect in Iraq’s 2025 elections

MENASource Jun 30, 2025

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma

By C. Anthony Pfaff

The future of US–Iraq relations is neither as dim as it may first appear, nor as promising as one might hope.
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iran

Stay connected

Explore the program

The Iraq Initiative is driving policy-oriented programs and analysis that advance Iraq’s stability and sovereignty, regional integration, and democratic and economic development. It also aims to promote a strengthened US-Iraq partnership.

learn more

Atlantic Council TV

Watch this event and more content on ACTV

Follow the conversations shaping our world. Available on all major platforms.

Start watching