Supreme Court Ends Fifth Parliamentary Term, Limits Powers of Caretaker Government

PUKMEDIA

The Supreme Court of Iraq's building.

The Supreme Federal Court of Iraq has officially declared the end of the fifth term of the Iraqi parliament and confirmed the transition of the government to a caretaker, or executive, status.

According to the Court’s decision—signed by its President, Munzir Ibrahim Hussein, and issued on Monday, 17 November 2025—the Iraqi President will continue to carry out all constitutional duties without interruption, functioning as part of the executive authority until a new parliament is elected and a new government is formed.

The ruling emphasises that the caretaker government and the Prime Minister are prohibited from taking strategic decisions or actions that entail long-term commitments. The Court stressed that the purpose of this measure is to ensure the continuous operation of state institutions and the delivery of essential public services during the transitional period.

The Prime Minister, acting in a caretaker capacity, may undertake the following:

1- Manage the daily affairs of ministries and state institutions.

2- Supervise the implementation of existing laws and previously issued decisions.

3- Ensure uninterrupted public services for citizens.

4- Sign international agreements that do not carry significant political, economic, or social implications for Iraq’s future.

5- Maintain the security and stability of the country.

The Prime Minister and the caretaker government are barred from:

1- Proposing new bills to the parliament.

2- Entering into major loans or financial agreements that would bind the next government.

3- Appointing or dismissing senior officials from high-ranking state positions.

4- Implementing fundamental changes within ministries or state institutions.

5- Making decisive policy decisions affecting national public policy.

6- Taking any action beyond routine daily governance.

The Court affirmed that the Iraqi President, as one of the two executive authorities, will fully comply with this ruling and continue performing constitutional duties until the next parliament is elected.

This decision is grounded in Articles 64 and 93 of the 2005 Iraqi Constitution, as well as provisions of the Federal Supreme Court Law.

Iraq’s parliamentary elections were held last week, recording a voter turnout of 55%. Preliminary results were announced 24 hours after the vote, and according to Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), the final results are expected to be released later on Monday.



PUKMEDIA