The United States has lauded Iraq’s recent parliamentary elections as a “crucial step” for the country’s democracy, while reaffirming a firm commitment to supporting Baghdad’s sovereignty and its efforts to curb external interference and armed militias.

In an official statement posted on social media platform X on Thursday, Mark Savaya, the US president’s special envoy to Iraq, congratulated the Iraqi people on the successful completion of the polls.

“This important election is a clear sign that Iraq is moving toward greater prosperity and sovereignty,” Savaya stated. He praised Iraqi citizens for their “commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and strong national institutions.”

The envoy also commended Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani and his government for ensuring the elections were held “on time” and “smoothly.”

The statement comes after Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) released preliminary results on Wednesday. The vote, which included special and general elections held on Sunday and Tuesday respectively, saw the Sudani-led Reconstruction and Development Coalition secure the top position with over 1.3 million votes. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), led by President Masoud Barzani, followed with over one million votes.

Central to Savaya’s message was a reinforcement of Washington’s stance on Iraqi independence. He emphasized that the United States “remains firmly committed to supporting Iraq’s sovereignty, reform efforts, and endeavors to end external interference and armed militias.”

This commitment was previewed just days before the ballot, when the special envoy urged Iraqis to preserve democratic progress, affirming that Washington “stands with Iraq as it moves forward: strong, independent, and free from foreign-backed militias.”