Baghdad: President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid affirmed that respect for the constitution represents the true guarantee of Iraq’s security and stability, stressing that the centenary of the Iraqi constitution marks an important occasion to renew commitment to constitutional values and to strengthen the principles of democracy and good governance.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in his speech at the central ceremony held in Baghdad to commemorate 100 years since the issuance of the 1925 Constitution, the President said that “the constitution is the shield that protects citizens and their freedoms.” He pointed out that, despite the decades of constitutional disruption and regional and international isolation Iraq endured, the country managed to regain its international standing after the fall of the former regime, which had left behind a temporary constitution, internal and external debts, and a collapsed security system.

He added, “Today, Iraq stands at the threshold of a new parliamentary milestone, as citizens will head to the polls on November 11 to elect members of the sixth session of the House of Representatives,” calling for “broad participation to strengthen the democratic process and consolidate the peaceful transfer of power.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stressed the importance of adhering to the constitution as the proper path toward achieving development and reinforcing the values of citizenship and transparency in public service. Al-Sudani noted that commemorating the centenary of the first constitution of the modern Iraqi state reaffirms the challenges Iraqis have overcome in managing their own destiny and choosing their national path, culminating in the 2005 permanent constitution, which was written by the free will of the Iraqi people to serve as a social contract that upholds justice, equality, and the protection of freedoms.

The Prime Minister emphasized that adherence to the constitution is the means to overcome political disputes and sustain the peaceful transfer of power, noting that it is the foundation for building a strong state grounded in its institutions, its national armed forces, its growing economy, and its rooted democracy. He added that Iraq now confidently moves toward a second constitutional centenary devoted to genuine citizenship, the rule of law, prosperity, and development. Al-Sudani concluded his speech by honoring the martyrs of the nation whose sacrifices paved the way to this moment in history.

Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani affirmed that the Council of Representatives will remain “the people’s house and the fortress of the constitution,” stressing that the constitutional centenary marks a new covenant and renewed responsibility to preserve the state and strengthen its institutions. Al-Mashhadani stated that Iraq will remain a beacon of justice, law, and constitutional values, and a cradle of civilizations and legal codes that have organized human life since the dawn of history.

He pointed out that the upcoming elections represent a new opportunity to consolidate the democratic path, emphasizing that the strength of the constitutional state increases with broader public participation, and every vote is a message of belonging and loyalty to building a future worthy of Iraq’s history and the sacrifices of its people. Al-Mashhadani concluded by stating that the constitutional centenary is a moment to renew the pledge that Iraq will remain united, strong, free, and democratic.