The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court has delayed the initial hearing on the lawsuit filed by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Region. Originally set for Sunday, May 19, the hearing has been rescheduled to Tuesday, May 21, due to the leave of two judges, as confirmed by Ayad Kakeyi, the Prime Minister's lawyer.

Prime Minister Barzani's Legal Challenge

On Sunday, May 6, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani lodged a significant lawsuit against the head of the Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC), represented by his lawyer, Ayad Kakeyi. The lawsuit targets two crucial issues: the allocation of 100 parliamentary seats within the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the elimination of 11 seats designated for various communities in the KRG parliament. Prime Minister Barzani asserts that these changes are unconstitutional and seeks judicial redress to rectify what he views as inequitable and illegal seat allocations.

Federal Court's Initial Ruling

In response to Barzani's complaint, the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court has issued a provisional ruling in his favor. The court ordered a temporary suspension of the provision governing seat distribution within the KRG. Specifically, on Tuesday, the court decreed the suspension of the second paragraph of Article 2 of the candidate registration and approval list for the 2024 Kurdistan Regional Parliamentary Elections, No. 7. This provision details the seat distribution among the regions of Kurdistan, with Erbil allocated 34 seats, Sulaimani 38 seats, Duhok 25 seats, and Halabja 3 seats.

Implications of the Legal Battle

The postponement and the court's interim decision underscore the contentious nature of the electoral seat allocation in the Kurdistan Region. The outcome of this lawsuit could have significant implications for the political landscape of the KRG, potentially altering the balance of power within its parliament. The Prime Minister's challenge highlights ongoing tensions between regional and federal authorities over electoral and constitutional matters.

As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the Federal Supreme Court's upcoming hearing on Tuesday, May 21, which will further clarify the legal standing and future of parliamentary seat distribution in the Kurdistan Region.