Saladin Provincial Council votes to remove Governor Badr Al-Fahl

Shafaq News- Saladin (Updated at 19:00)

The Saladin Provincial Council voted on Monday to remove Governor Badr Al-Fahl from office and confirmed Hisham Azzawi as acting governor, a source familiar with the session told Shafaq News.

During the session, council members reviewed the legal status of the governor’s position and unanimously concluded that Al-Fahl’s return to office violated the law, as he had been removed on January 26, 2026, after assuming a parliamentary seat representing Saladin province, the source explained.

Earlier on Monday, an administrative order issued by the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Representatives confirmed Al-Fahl’s return as governor effective February 9. The decision was based on non-compliance with legal requirements related to membership in the Iraqi Parliament, including the failure to submit a formal resignation to the Saladin Provincial Council in line with established procedures.

The provincial council considered that the parliamentary order should be treated as an internal administrative and corrective measure related to procedures for taking the constitutional oath inside Parliament, stressing that it does not constitute a legal basis for reinstating Al-Fahl to his duties as Saladin governor.

Under Iraqi law, holding a position in the executive authority, a ministerial post, or a seat in the Iraqi Parliament simultaneously is prohibited.

Meanwhile, the parliamentary seat of Kurdish candidate Karim Shukor from the Kurdistan Democratic Party remains contingent on Al-Fahl submitting a formal resignation from Parliament.