Iraqi campaign pushes constitutional overhaul toward strong presidential system

ANBAR, Iraq — Calls are intensifying in Iraq's political and media circles to amend the 2005 Constitution and shift to a semi-presidential system in which the president is elected directly by the public, according to a statement from the organizers. The National Campaign for Constitutional Amendment said it has gathered more than 70,000 participants and continues collecting signatures, framing its proposal around high youth unemployment, economic hardship and shortcomings in public services. The proposal has drawn criticism over provisions that critics say would weaken power-sharing arrangements and federal balance mechanisms, reduce or eliminate the women's quota, curtail the Kurdistan Region's constitutional authorities, and concentrate control of oil resources and border crossings in the capital. Organizers noted that the campaign does not include a demand to establish the Council of the Union envisioned under Article 65 of the Constitution, which has not been formed since 2005, arguing that the goal is to consolidate authority in a single office. Warnings issued alongside the campaign highlight risks including weakened parliamentary oversight, increased influence of armed groups and the loss of political weight for Iraq's multi-ethnic structure in the face of demographic majority. The proposal is being advanced by civil society groups including Rwanga Foundation, Kurdistan Foundation, Mada Organization, Shams Network and the Iraqi Culture Support Association, which have called for Arabic and Kurdish media campaigns, workshops and a digital signature platform. Organizers said any changes must respect the constitutional amendment procedures protected by regional council approval and referendum processes under Articles 126 and 142, and stressed that the federal structure remains the foundation of the country's unity.