Iraq election: Political changes and elections timeline

Iraqi election results sealed the new political dominance of Iraq's Shi'ite majority after decades of oppression under Saddam Hussein.

The Electoral Commission announced the tally, still to be ratified, two weeks after Iraqis voted in the first national election since US-led forces ousted Saddam in April 2003.

Here is a short chronology of political changes and elections in Iraq's modern history.

April 25, 1920 - Iraq, formerly part of Ottoman empire, is created, with Britain mandated by League of Nations to prepare it for independence. Iraqi revolt lasts from July to October, when a provisional Arab Council of State is set up.

Aug 23, 1921 - Faisal ibn Hussain, deposed Hashemite king of Syria, is crowned king after accepting British offer of throne.

Oct 10, 1922 - Anglo-Iraqi treaty is signed. It is ratified in March 1924 by National Constituent Assembly.

Oct 13, 1932 - Britain's mandate expires. Iraq becomes independent.

Feb 14, 1958 - King Faisal and King Hussein of Jordan proclaim their countries unified in new Arab Federation.

May 5, 1958 - General election won by pro-government and pro-federation candidates.

July 14, 1958 - Military coup deposes Hashemite dynasty. King Faisal and Prime Minister Nuri al-Said are killed. Iraq becomes a republic under Brigadier Abdul-Karim Qassem.

Aug 1, 1958 - Arab Federation is suspended.

Feb 1963 - Baathist and Arab nationalist officers seize power. Abdul-Salam Aref becomes president. In November Baathists are ejected.

April 29, 1964 - New constitution gives power to president elected by Revolutionary Command Council (RCC).

July 20, 1968 - Coup by Baathist and Arab nationalist officers ousts President Abdul-Rahman Aref, who had succeeded his brother after his death in 1966. Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr becomes president. Days later he ousts non-Baathist allies.

Nov 1969 - Saddam Hussein joins RCC, becomes vice-chairman.

July 16, 1979 - Saddam becomes president after Bakr resigns.

June 20, 1980 - First parliamentary election since 1958. Baathists win 187 of 250 National Assembly seats.

Oct 1984 - Parliamentary election, Baathists win 73 per cent.

July 25, 1988 - Saddam postpones parliamentary election.

March 1991 - Saddam promises multiparty system but later says Baath party will retain leading role.

Oct 15, 1995 - Saddam wins sole-candidate presidential referendum with more than 99 per cent of vote.

March 24, 1996 - Baath party dominates parliamentary election. All candidates pledge support for Baathist principles.

Oct 15, 2002 - Saddam wins sole-candidate referendum which grants him another 7-year term.

April 9, 2003 - US forces capture Baghdad, depose Saddam.

Jan 30, 2005 - Elections take place for transitional National Assembly charged with drafting permanent constitution.

- REUTERS