President Rashid, Ammar al-Hakim discuss post-election talks

BAGHDAD — President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid met Sunday with Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement, to discuss political and security developments and ongoing negotiations among political blocs after the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections, the presidency said.

The meeting was held at al-Hakim’s residence in Baghdad and focused on efforts to reach a consensus framework that would help complete constitutional steps to form a new government “within clear and responsible boundaries,” according to a statement from the president’s office.

The statement said the talks stressed the need to form “a strong government capable of implementing reform programs and meeting the aspirations of citizen,” and underlined the importance of unifying national efforts and prioritizing the country’s interests over partisan calculations.

It added that both sides backed “constructive dialogue” among political forces to reach agreements on a cabinet that can implement reform programs and meet citizens’ expectations.

Iraq held nationwide parliamentary elections on Nov. 11 to fill all 329 seats in the Council of Representatives. On Nov. 17, the Independent High Electoral Commission released the final results, reporting turnout above 56 percent.

The Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani won 46 seats, the largest single share, but no party or coalition secured a majority. Government formation will therefore require alliances and compromises among several blocs.

Because power in Iraq’s post-2003 system is shared among Shia, Sunni, Kurdish and minority forces, the process of forming a cabinet is expected to involve extended negotiations over top posts and ministerial portfolios.