Iraq's constitution sets out formal steps for legislation, including amendment rules

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's constitution lays out a series of formal procedures governing how laws are drafted, passed and enacted by parliament. Article 59 requires that parliamentary sessions be opened only when an absolute majority of members is present and that decisions be taken by a simple majority. Article 60 sets out the routes for legislation, allowing bills to be submitted by the president and the Council of Ministers, while proposals can be introduced by at least 10 members of parliament or by the relevant committee. Once adopted, Article 138 requires that laws and decisions be sent to the Presidency Council within 10 days, approved unanimously and published in the Official Gazette. The constitution also sets a higher bar for amendments. Article 126 states that basic principles, rights and freedoms can be amended only after two consecutive electoral terms, with approval by a two-thirds majority of members and a public referendum. Article 142 adds that a referendum is deemed successful unless it is rejected by one third of voters in three or more provinces. The Federal Supreme Court reviews legislation on substance when there are no formal defects, but rules adopted in violation of procedural requirements can be declared entirely invalid. No specific legislative action was identified in the report.