Iraq's parliament prepares amendments to expand provincial authority

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's parliament is preparing broad amendments to the country's provinces law aimed at strengthening decentralized governance, according to Jaafar al-Zamali, a member of parliament's regions and provinces committee. The draft legislation seeks to expand the powers of governorates and local administrations, giving provincial councils a stronger role in decision-making and granting governors broader executive authority. Al-Zamali said the amendments would reshape the distribution of powers between the executive and legislative branches. They also cover the procedures for appointing governors and heads of provincial councils, as well as local budget preparation authority. The lawmaker said the draft would increase the administrative and financial autonomy of the provinces and accelerate decision-making at the local level. The committee is expected to hold a session in the coming days to review the bill. Additional details on the timeline for parliamentary debate or vote were not immediately available.