Iraqs new parliament convenes for its inaugural session

Iraq’s New Parliament Elects Speaker Haybat al-Halbousi

Haybat al-Halbousi, a member of the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, has been elected as speaker of Iraq’s newly formed parliament. According to reports from the parliament’s media office, al-Halbousi received 208 votes in the election, surpassing his two rival contenders who received 66 and nine votes respectively.

The election marks an important step in the formation of the new government, following months of political turmoil. The Taqaddum (Progress) Party is primarily supported by Sunni communities in western and northern Iraq.

Under Iraq’s muhasasa system, which has been in place since the post-2003 constitution, parliament will elect a speaker, two deputies, and then proceed to vote for the presidency. The president will then nominate the candidate of the largest Shia bloc, the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF), to be named prime minister.

The process typically takes months, with the Federal Supreme Court having ratified the results faster than usual. However, few expect a swift result due to the complexities involved in government formation.

Incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had been nominated by the SCF four years ago but has since tried to break free from the alliance. The SCF now faces the question of whether it will back al-Sudani or an alternative candidate as prime minister, amidst growing concerns over the increasing presence of lawmakers linked to Shia parties with pro-Iran, anti-West armed wings.

The SCF’s 180-odd lawmakers include around 80-90 members from groups and armed factions close to Iran, many of whom are under United States sanctions. This development presents a challenge not only for Iraq’s relations with foreign powers but also for Iraqi Shias who resent Tehran’s influence in the country.

Source: Al Jazeera