IRAQ
Iraq’s top court validated October’s elections results Monday, dealing a blow to the powerful pro-Iran political factions that had challenged the outcome of the polls, the Wall Street Journal reported.
In its ruling, the Federal Supreme Court rejected an appeal by Iran-backed factions, which demanded the nullification of the election results over alleged voter fraud. The pro-Iran parties and their armed allies had lost significant ground in the elections.
The court said nullifying the election results was outside its jurisdiction but acknowledged a few irregularities in the polls: It advised against using an electronic count system in the future.
The verdict comes amid rising tensions in the country, with protesters demonstrating outside the courthouse against the election results. Some also chanted against the country’s current leader, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi.
Following the decision, lawmakers will now have two weeks to form a majority coalition in parliament and then select a new parliamentary speaker and prime minister. The new government will then decide on the future of American forces based in the country to help fight against Islamic State militants, as well as navigate a geopolitical struggle between the United States and Iran.
The October elections placed Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in the lead. He has vowed to create a new government free from influence from both the US and Iran. Analysts said that it’s unlikely that Sadr will seek office but noted that he will remain an important powerbroker.
Even so, Sadr faces fierce competition from other Shiite rivals and Iran supporters.
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