Allawi backs second term for Prime Minister Al-Sudani in Baghdad meeting

BAGHDAD — National Coalition leader Ayad Allawi voiced his support for Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s reappointment during a meeting in Baghdad on Saturday evening.

According to a statement from Allawi’s office, the two discussed recent political developments, national partnership, and ongoing negotiations around the formation of the next government.

Allawi said he supports renewing Al-Sudani’s mandate “in appreciation of the national and responsible efforts he has made over the past years,” citing steps that “strengthened the presence of the state and reduced levels of conflict during a complex regional phase.”

In an interview with Shams TV, Maliki said forming a new government will hinge on political consensus and could be achieved within a month after the final results are certified. “The Coordination Framework has set specific characteristics and conditions for the next prime minister,” he said.

The Islamic Dawa Party on Saturday named its secretary-general, Nouri al-Maliki, as its candidate for Iraq’s next prime minister, moving formally into the post-election contest for the premiership. Maliki previously served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014.

Al-Sudani has also declared his intention to seek a second term. Speaking at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum in Duhok, he said the bid “is not a personal ambition” and framed it as a commitment to complete the agenda of his current government, while confirming that the Coordination Framework will begin negotiations to form the next administration.

Statement from Allawi’s office:

The leader of the National Coalition, Dr. Iyad Allawi, received Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani Saturday evening in the presence of several leaders of the National Coalition. The meeting discussed the latest political developments and the course of national partnership, in addition to negotiations related to the formation of the next government in a way that ensures the consolidation of stability and the protection of the interests of the Iraqi people.

Dr. Allawi affirmed his full support for Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and the renewal of his nomination for a second term, in appreciation of the national and responsible efforts he has made over the past years and the important steps he has achieved that strengthened the presence of the state and reduced levels of conflict during a complex regional phase marked by ongoing tensions and challenges.

Dr. Allawi noted that Iraq today needs to continue the balanced approach adopted by Mr. Al-Sudani and to strengthen the concept of genuine national partnership based on unified political decision-making and clarity of vision in the management of state affairs.

The leader of the National Coalition called on all national political forces to support the renewal of Mr. Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s term and enable him to complete the programs and plans that have contributed to serving the citizen and enhancing Iraq’s standing, in a way that ensures overcoming the current phase and fulfilling the aspirations of the honorable Iraqi people for security, stability, and development.