The Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives announced today, Friday, that the Council has finally approved the new local elections law after a marathon session lasting more than eight hours. The session witnessed heated discussions between political blocs regarding the mechanism for distributing seats and the percentage of women's participation, before reaching a consensual formula that satisfies the majority. The new law stipulates the adoption of the multiple constituencies system in major governorates, while maintaining the single constituency system in governorates with low population density. The law also set a 30% quota for women in local councils, which observers considered an advanced step towards women's political empowerment. November 15th was set as the final date for holding elections in all governorates except the Kurdistan Region, which is subject to a separate electoral law. The head of the Independent High Electoral Commission called for the necessary funding to be provided immediately to ensure the electoral process is conducted fairly and transparently. The Parliament Speaker emphasized that this law represents a major legislative achievement that contributes to consolidating democratic practice at the local level.