Jalal Talabani, a prominent Kurdish leader and head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, was elected as the President of Iraq by the newly formed National Assembly in April 2005. This election was significant as it illustrated the inclusion of the Kurdish population in the governance of Iraq, a noteworthy shift in a country that had long experienced ethnic tensions and sectarian divides. Talabani's election was viewed as a crucial step towards national reconciliation, especially as it occurred in the wake of the U.S.-led invasion and the subsequent ousting of Saddam Hussein's regime. The political landscape in Iraq was in flux, and this election reflected the aspirations of various groups seeking representation in a newly democratic Iraq.

Following Talabani's election, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a Shiite Arab, was named the prime minister the very next day. Al-Jaafari's appointment continued the trend of a government reflecting a coalition of Iraq's diverse ethnic and sectarian communities. Having been a member of the Islamic Dawa Party, his leadership was crucial in the transitional government, which aimed to stabilize the country amidst rising violence and insurgency. The assembly's actions were pivotal in setting the stage for Iraq's constitutional development and democratic processes in the subsequent years.

This political transition marked a significant departure from decades of authoritarianism and was emblematic of the challenges that lay ahead for Iraq. The establishment of a democratic government was met with enthusiasm, yet the ongoing instability and resistance from insurgent groups created a complex environment that tested the newly formed leadership's resolve and capacity to govern effectively.