The Iraqi government expects the 2026 budget revenues to be close to this year’s 200 trillion dinars. Despite an annual deficit exceeding 60 trillion dinars, revenues are expected to cover salaries, services, and investment spending.
The number of appeals filed against the final election results has risen to 80, including 36 appeals submitted today alone. The appeals follow the commission’s announcement of the final results on November 17.
The Iraqi Ministry of Health says medicine labeling has increased from 30% to 70% within two years through 1.6 billion health stickers. The ministry aims to reach a full 100% labeling rate to regulate the pharmaceutical market and prevent price manipulation.
Iraq plans to halt gas exports by 2028 and attract $100 billion in Gulf investment under new economic reforms. Sudani says the government will combat poverty and corruption while strengthening ties with the Kurdistan Region and international partners.
The Iraqi Cabinet approved payments for ballot box and reserve employees, ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 dinars. Bank card requirements have been removed, and payments will be distributed through banks
Iraqi military intelligence has foiled an attempt to smuggle 22,000 narcotic pills into Anbar province using a balloon. The drugs were seized in the Karma area and handed over to the Counter-Narcotics Directorate.
The Iraqi Election Commission will announce the final parliamentary election results today or tomorrow, confirming a 100% match with manual counting. Parties will have three days to submit appeals after publication.
The Iraqi government is expected to begin distributing November salaries at the end of this week or early next week. Salary payments to the Kurdistan Region are also expected next week, pending the delivery of 120 billion dinars in non-oil revenues for September.
Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources says this year’s rainfall outlook is promising after several years of drought. He expects strong rains this season and a positive first quarter of next year.
The Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) announced that it has received a total of 102 complaints regarding both general and special voting days. Most complaints were classified as “yellow,” meaning they do not meet requirements and will not impact the election results.
Iraq is introducing a barcode system to protect consumers and ensure product quality. The program, starting November 15, 2025, will initially cover major electrical appliances.
The Iraqi Prime Minister will visit the Kurdistan Region this week to discuss government formation and unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad, including salaries. His visit comes amid political competition among Shiite parties over the next prime ministerial post.
The US Special Representative for Iraq congratulated the Iraqi people and government on holding parliamentary elections as scheduled, describing the vote as a significant step toward democracy and stability.
Supporters of the Prosperity and Development Coalition celebrated in Baghdad after the announcement of preliminary election results, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani pledging to serve all Iraqis in the coming phase.
Iraqi Minister of Reconstruction Bangin Rekani said Wednesday that no deadline has been set for the remittance of September salaries to the Kurdistan Region, noting that some issues remain unresolved.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani said the parliamentary elections are being held in a calm and stable environment, emphasizing the importance of peaceful power transfer.
The Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) has announced that voters must present a valid identity card in addition to their voting card to participate in today’s general elections, which will continue until 6 p.m. across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
IHEC spokesperson Jumana Ghalai confirmed that the special voting process has proceeded smoothly across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, under the observation of international and local monitors.
More than 1.3 million members of Iraq’s security forces, accounting for over six percent of eligible voters, will participate in the special voting process on Sunday across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has reassured voters that the election process is fully confidential and secure. The commission said voting machines only count ballots and cannot reveal voter identities.