Baghdad: Legal expert, Advisor Salem Hawas, affirmed that the first session of the House of Representatives is the official launch of its parliamentary term and marks the dividing line between the end of the electoral process and the commencement of the legislative authority's constitutional duties.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hawas stated in a press release that the oldest member presides over the first session according to the constitution and internal regulations. He clarified that this position is neither an electoral nor a political one, but rather a temporary protocol procedure based solely on the criterion of being the oldest among the elected members of parliament.

He added, "The duties of the presiding officer in the first session are limited and clear, and include: opening the session and inviting members to take the constitutional oath, managing the election process for the Speaker of Parliament and his two deputies exclusively, announcing the results of the internal elections after the voting is complete, and handing over the chairmanship of the session to the newly elected Speaker upon their victory and swearing-in."

Hawas explained, "The role of the presiding officer is temporary and does not extend to this session." He emphasized that the presiding officer does not possess legislative or oversight powers; rather, their role is limited to managing a procedural session aimed at organizing the transfer of power within Parliament.

He pointed out that "the presiding officer is automatically appointed once the final list of winning members of Parliament is issued by the Federal Supreme Court." The officially documented date of birth is used without any political or parliamentary intervention, which prevents disputes or misinterpretations in this regard.