Iraqi Parliament set to elect new speaker: Al-Halbousi, Al-Maliki back Al-Mashhadani amid high stakes
Shafaq News/ A source from the Taqadum bloc, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, revealed, on Thursday, that al-Halbousi has reached an agreement with State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki to support Mahmoud al-Mashhadani’s candidacy for Speaker of Parliament.
According to the source, the heads of political blocs convened a meeting, led by both al-Maliki and al-Halbousi, to discuss backing al-Mashhadani for the Speaker role, with participants affirming that today’s session will take place, regardless of timing, to finalize the Speaker's election.
The source also noted that political leaders are expected to arrive at Parliament in the coming hours to resolve the Speaker election issue.
Earlier, al-Mashhadani, who was parliamentary speaker from 2006 to 2008, confirmed to Shafaq News Agency, "I am the candidate of the Sunni majority for the role of Parliament Speaker," adding, "We seek support from the national blocs in today’s session."
He also expressed confidence that Parliament would finalize this matter today.
On the other hand, Independent MP Amer Abdul Jabbar confirmed that he remains a candidate for the Speaker role, despite what he described as an "inopportune timing" for today’s session.
Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Abdul Jabbar noted that "the parliamentary session is expected to commence after 06:00 p.m.," expressing concern about the timing given "the violent clash that occurred in the previous session between members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Taqadum bloc."
"I remain in the race, aiming to break the traditional political and partisan routine," Abdul Jabbar stated.
He also disclosed that "numerous political factions have urged him to withdraw his candidacy," yet he declined, citing his opposition to "the entrenched system of political and party quotas."
The Iraqi Parliament has dedicated the session scheduled for this afternoon to elect a new Speaker, succeeding Muhammad al-Halbousi, whose term ended nearly a year ago.
On Wednesday, October 23, six Sunni forces, led by al-Halbousi, outlined two potential paths to resolve the selection of a new Speaker after an 11-month impasse.
In a joint statement from the parties involved—Taqadum, al-Jamaheer al-Wataniya, Al-Hasm, the Iraqi National Project, Al-Sadara, and Al-Mubadara—it was confirmed that there are two options available.
"The first option entails all competing parties withdrawing their candidates, with all present national forces agreeing to support Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, who has gained the backing of the Sunni parliamentary and political majority. The second option involves initiating legal proceedings within the Parliament to nominate a new candidate from the Sunni political majority, supported by a substantial parliamentary majority, to uphold the rights of the Sunni majority in appointing their representative to this position," as per the statement.
