Explainer: Iraq's constitutional formalities in the legislative process

ANBAR, Iraq — BAGHDAD — Iraq's Constitution sets out a series of formal procedures that legislation must follow before taking effect. Article 59 requires a quorum of an absolute majority of Parliament's full membership to convene sessions, with decisions taken by a simple majority. Article 60 provides that draft laws are submitted by the President or the Council of Ministers, while legislative proposals may be introduced by ten members of parliament or by the relevant committee. Once adopted, laws and decisions must be transmitted to the Presidency Council within ten days for unanimous approval and publication in the Official Gazette, according to Article 138. The Constitution treats amendments to its fundamental principles, rights and liberties separately under Article 126, which requires approval by two-thirds of the full membership across two successive legislative terms, followed by a popular referendum. Article 142 governs that referendum, providing that an amendment is deemed successful unless rejected by one-third of voters in three or more provinces. Iraq's Federal Supreme Court reviews the substantive content of legislation only when no formal defects are present; provisions found to breach formal requirements can be invalidated in their entirety.