Iraqs election outcome disputed by various observers and parties

Iraq’s New Parliament Holds First Sitting Amid Uncertainty

Baghdad, Iraq - The country’s new parliament convened for its first sitting on Monday, marking an important milestone in the post-election process. The formation of a new government is expected to be complex, with domestic and international pressures playing a significant role.

Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani will face challenges in forming a new government, following a ruling by the Federal Supreme Court (FSC) that limited his powers in November. Al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition won 46 out of 329 seats in the election, but he must now work within the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF), an alliance he had sought to break free from.

The SCF commands approximately 180 MPs, with around 80-90 belonging to groups and armed factions close to Iran. This has raised concerns about Iraq’s relations with Western countries, including the European Union, Gulf states, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stated that the US has conveyed a message to Iraqi leaders, expressing its opposition to the presence of anti-Western, pro-Iran armed groups in the government. The US has previously adopted a policy of “non-engagement” with officials from these factions, but it remains unclear whether this stance will be maintained.

The selection of a new speaker of parliament is also expected to take place, with consensus Sunni candidates being considered under the customary muhasasa system. The outcome of these developments will have significant implications for Iraq’s government and its relationships with the international community.

Source: Al Jazeera