Iraq: 100 Deputies’ Unexcused Absences from Parliamentary Sessions Drew Criticism

Since the onset of the fourth legislative term, lawmakers’ frequent unexcused absences in attending sessions, coupled with holding these sessions at late hours were lashed out by many journalists and some deputies. Deputy of Al-Nahj National bloc, Hazem Al-Khalidi shed light on the fact that at least 100 lawmakers don’t attend sessions, which undermines the parliament’s role as a supervisory entity and in enacting laws that have been stalled for years. He added that the poor role and low efficiency of the parliament are attributed to the political compromises between deputies and those who are interrogated that led to a suspension in these hearings. Moreover, reporters complained about the timing of these sessions as they are repeatedly postponed for hours