Iraqi leaders discuss vacant parliamentary speaker position

BAGHDAD — Some of Iraq’s top political and judicial leaders met today at Baghdad Palace to address the ongoing stalemate over the vacant Speaker of Parliament position. President Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, and Chief Justice Faiq Zidan discussed the need to ‘expidite’ efforts to resolve the issue, according to a statement from the president’s office.

The Speaker’s seat has been vacant since last November, when Iraq’s judiciary annulled the membership of former Speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi. His ousting followed a legal challenge, and since then, Sunni political factions have struggled to agree on a successor. Under Iraq’s post-2003 political framework, the Speaker’s role is traditionally reserved for a Sunni, while the Prime Ministership is held by a Shiite, and the Presidency by a Kurd.

During today’s meeting, the leaders underscored the importance of filling the vacancy to ensure Parliament operates smoothly and in alignment with both the executive and judicial branches. They also emphasized that a quick resolution is essential for Iraq’s national interests.

In recent months, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has emerged as a frontrunner for the position, claiming majority support among lawmakers in late August. However, earlier efforts to select a new Speaker have been inconclusive. In May, Parliament held multiple voting rounds, with Al-Mashhadani and Salem al-Issawi leading the race. Al-Issawi secured 158 votes to Al-Mashhadani’s 137 in the second round, but increasing tensions in the third round forced Parliament to adjourn without a final decision.

Statement from the Media Office of the Iraqi Presidency:

The presidencies held a meeting at Baghdad Palace on Saturday, October 19, 2024, attended by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, the Prime Minister, Mr. Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, and the Chief Justice, Faiq Zidan.

The attendees discussed the issue of the Speaker of Parliament and the efforts being made to expedite the resolution of this matter, emphasizing their support for these efforts to serve the higher national interest and strengthen the role of Parliament in cooperation with the executive and judicial authorities.

The meeting also addressed the reasons behind the delay in presenting several important draft laws prepared by the Presidency, stressing the need to include them in the agenda of the Parliament’s upcoming sessions. Additionally, the judicial measures taken in response to crimes related to publishing and media were reviewed, as well as the monitoring of violations regarding a systematic campaign by suspicious pages targeting the presidencies, ministries, and state institutions. The pursuit of those responsible according to legal provisions was also discussed.

The meeting further touched on government financial measures aimed at ensuring funding for ministries and provinces from both the investment budget and the regional development budget. Moreover, preparations for the Independent High Electoral Commission were reviewed, focusing on creating the appropriate logistical and environmental conditions for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for next year.

The attendees reaffirmed the importance of conducting a national census as a developmental goal for the country, which will serve as a foundation for economic and social policies and programs.

Lastly, the meeting covered the overall situation in the regional arena, particularly the developments in the Israeli aggression against Palestine and Lebanon, as well as efforts to contain these aggressions and strengthen political unity to protect Iraq and its people from any potential escalation.