Baghdad: Legal expert, Salem Hawas, has expressed skepticism over recent calls to hold emergency or extraordinary parliamentary sessions, asserting that such efforts will not rectify the declining legislative performance observed over the past four years. He emphasized that the “lost time cannot be recovered just weeks before the end of Parliament’s mandate.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hawas highlighted that Article (58/First) of the Iraqi Constitution permits the Speaker of Parliament or fifty members to convene an extraordinary session focused on a specific topic. However, he cautioned against using this provision as a fa§ade to pass laws that have been stalled for four years, as it may create a misleading impression of Parliament fulfilling its duties at the last minute.

Hawas argued that genuine legislative success is characterized by consistent achievement, rather than hasty attempts to address longstanding deficiencies. He pointed out that numerous significant and sensitive laws, such as those on compensating victims, the Popular Mobilization Forces, combating drugs, and amendments related to public service and salary scales, have remained unaddressed since the current parliamentary session began. Additionally, laws regarding minors, civil defense, and other crucial matters have also been neglected.

He further emphasized that the recent push for extraordinary sessions does not absolve Parliament of its political and constitutional responsibilities for the delays. Nor does it provide full legitimacy to pass complex legislation without adequate debate or technical consultations. Hawas insisted that Parliament must fulfill its legislative and oversight roles consistently throughout its term, not just in its final weeks, and affirmed that the Constitution prioritizes the proper functioning of public institutions, a principle not upheld in recent legislative performances.

Hawas concluded by acknowledging that while extraordinary sessions are a constitutional right, they should not replace genuine legislative commitment. He warned against using them as a superficial attempt to rectify legislative shortcomings in the final days of Parliament’s tenure.