United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday congratulated the people of Iraq and its electoral commission on the successful and peaceful conduct of parliamentary elections, while calling for a timely government formation process that reflects the will of the voters.

In a statement delivered by UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General commended the "overall peaceful and orderly conduct of the vote," which saw a voter turnout surpassing 55 percent. This figure signals a resurgence of public engagement in a nation once marked by political apathy.

The UN chief emphasized that the post-election period must be a time for prioritizing national unity and stability.

“He further emphasizes the importance of a timely and peaceful government formation process that reflects the will of the Iraqi people and addresses their aspirations for stability and development,” the statement read.

The election, widely described as calm and well-administered, is one of the most consequential since 2003 and is expected to chart the country's future amid significant economic challenges and regional tensions.

The Secretary-General's appeal arrives at a critical juncture as Iraq's political factions begin complex negotiations over coalition-building. The electoral outcome has set the stage for a potentially more inclusive government.

In a surprising development, incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who was seeking a second term, secured a far lower number of seats than anticipated for a sitting premier. His underwhelming performance is seen as potentially opening the door for broader coalition-building, giving Kurds, Sunnis, and other Shiite factions greater influence in shaping the next administration.

Guterres’s call for a swift consensus echoes concerns that a protracted or contentious negotiation process could destabilize the country and delay crucial reforms, a scenario that has paralyzed governance and fueled public frustration in the past.

The Secretary-General also reaffirmed the United Nations' "continued commitment to supporting Iraq in its democratic transition and long-term pursuit of peace and prosperity."

The statement noted the conclusion of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq's (UNAMI) two-decade-long electoral mandate, with Guterres expressing appreciation for the mission's "long-standing partnership with Iraq’s electoral institutions."