This chapter examines the intricate dynamics between elections, representation, and democratic governance in post-2003 Iraq. It assesses how electoral reforms, intended to accommodate Iraq’s diverse ethno-sectarian landscape and democratic aspirations, have in practice reinforced institutional fragility, sectarian politics, and governance challenges. Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, Iraq’s electoral frameworks, including proportional representation (PR), open-list proportional representation (OLPR), and the Single Non-Transferable Vote (SNTV), have primarily functioned within the informal consociational arrangement known as muhasasa ta'ifia. Rather than fostering political inclusivity or effective governance, these systems have often deepened sectarian identities, political fragmentation, and clientelist politics. Structural biases, gerrymandering, and frequent changes in electoral mechanisms have complicated voter-party linkages and diminished policy responsiveness. Although constitutional quotas improved the numerical presence of women and minorities, genuine political empowerment and substantive policy influence remain elusive due to patriarchal norms and manipulation by dominant sectarian parties. Declining voter turnout, dropping from approximately 80 per cent in 2005 to under 45 per cent by 2021, highlights deepening public disenchantment with the electoral process. This study argues that Iraq’s democratic potential requires substantial institutional reform, prioritizing robust accountability, genuine representation beyond sectarian identities and a commitment to addressing underlying structural challenges to democratic consolidation