In a pivotal moment for Iraq's democratic process, the country's newly elected parliament convened its first session, signaling progress after months of political uncertainty and selecting Haybat al-Halbousi as speaker with a resounding 208 votes.

The session, held on Monday, marked a critical milestone in Iraq's governmental transition, with al-Halbousi emerging victorious from the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, which draws significant support from Sunni regions in western and northern Iraq. His overwhelming electoral victory – defeating two rival candidates who received merely 66 and 9 votes respectively – underscores a clear mandate from parliamentary representatives.

Under Iraq's long-standing muhasasa power-sharing system, established following the 2003 constitutional reforms, this parliamentary session follows a carefully choreographed sequence. The speaker's election, traditionally a consensus Sunni position, precedes subsequent critical appointments including the presidential selection and prime ministerial nomination.

The political landscape remains intricate, with the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF) facing complex internal negotiations about leadership. Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who led an independent electoral list winning approximately 46 of 329 parliamentary seats, finds himself navigating delicate political terrain after a Federal Supreme Court decision reconnected him with the SCF's leadership.

Of particular significance is the evolving composition of the SCF, which now includes 80-90 lawmakers affiliated with pro-Iran factions – a substantial increase from just 17 seats in 2021. This shift potentially complicates Iraq's international relations and internal political dynamics, particularly regarding interactions with Western powers and managing Iran's regional influence.

The Supreme Judicial Council and Federal Supreme Court have urged lawmakers to adhere to the constitutional timeline, which allows a maximum of 90 days for government formation. However, historical precedent suggests a potentially lengthy process, with the 2021 government formation taking over 300 days to complete.

As Iraq moves forward, the newly elected parliament represents both hope and challenge: a democratic mechanism working to balance complex ethnic, religious, and political interests while striving to create stable governance for a nation that has endured significant turmoil.