MP Salem Al-Issawi congratulates Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani on election as speaker, reflects on candidacy

BAGHDAD — MP Salem Al-Issawi extended his congratulations on Friday to newly elected Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, who secured the position after two rounds of voting yesterday. In a statement, Al-Issawi expressed gratitude to his supporters and emphasized the importance of his candidacy, which he described as a foundation for a genuine national project for Iraq.

Salem Al-Issawi came second in the ballot, ending up far behind the winner, Al-Mashhadani.

“I extend my deepest thanks to all Iraqis, across all communities, affiliations, and backgrounds, and to the honorable members of Parliament who have today laid the groundwork for a steadfast commitment to Iraq’s democratic and national project,” Al-Issawi stated, underscoring that members resisted external pressures and enticements to dismantle the divisive quota-based system that has weakened the political process.

Al-Issawi reflected on his participation in the race for the Speaker’s seat, noting that his decision to compete was driven by principle and a dedication to Iraq’s sovereignty. “Our persistence in entering the race was grounded in principle, a determination drawn from the resilience of Iraqis reclaiming their identity and affirming their patriotism. Today, we laid the cornerstone of stability and perseverance for the representatives of the people under the Parliament’s roof, uniting across ethnicities and sects to build a truly national Iraqi project,” he said.

He concluded by congratulating Al-Mashhadani on his victory, saying, “I extend my congratulations to the elected Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, and I wish him success in his mission ahead.”