Iraqi Federal Supreme Court suspends three controversial laws over voting irregularities

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court (IFSC) issued an injunction halting the implementation of three recently passed laws — General Amnesty, Personal Status, and Property Restitution — due to alleged irregularities in the voting procedures during the parliamentary session held on 21 January 2025.

Judicial Review of Controversial Legislation

The Court’s decision directly impacts the following laws:

1. 1. The amendment to the 1959 Personal Status Law.
   2. The second amendment to the 2016 General Amnesty Law.
   3. The Property Restitution Law, which addresses assets seized under dissolved Revolutionary Command Council decisions.

These laws will remain suspended until the Court completes its review to determine their constitutionality.

Lawmakers Challenge Voting Procedures

The injunction was granted in response to petitions filed by ten members of parliament. The lawmakers argued that the legislative process during the 21 January session was flawed and requested judicial intervention to prevent the enforcement of the laws while their legality is reviewed.

Political Divisions Behind the Legislation

The suspended laws were contentious and reflective of political divisions within the Iraqi parliament. Kurdish factions strongly supported the Property Restitution Law, Sunni representatives advocated for the General Amnesty Law, while Shia parties championed the amendment to the Personal Status Law.

These laws, passed after multiple failed attempts, have now been thrust into further uncertainty following the Court’s intervention, sparking intense political debate over their legitimacy and societal impact.

What’s Next?

The Federal Supreme Court’s review is expected to provide clarity on whether the laws comply with the Constitution of Iraq. Until then, the implementation of these legislative measures remains on hold.