Reconstruction and Development bloc reaffirms Sudani as nominee for PM

BAGHDAD — The Reconstruction and Development Coalition said it remains committed to naming Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani as its candidate for prime minister, reaffirming his nomination during a regular meeting chaired by Sudani with all members present.

In a statement, the coalition said Sudani remains its choice “based on his successful experience in leading the executive authority” and because the alliance “represents the largest bloc within the Coordination Framework and the largest parliamentary bloc.”

Final results from the Nov. 11 parliamentary election placed the Reconstruction and Development Coalition first with 46 seats. Taqaddum followed with 36 seats, State of Law secured 29, and Sadiqoon won 27, matching the 27 seats taken by the Kurdistan Democratic Party. The KDP are the largest single party by vote share.

Sudani has already signaled that he will seek a second term. Speaking at the Middle East Peace and Security Forum in Duhok, he said his bid “is not a personal ambition” and framed it as a commitment to complete the agenda of his current government, adding that the Coordination Framework will begin negotiations to form the next cabinet.

Full statement:

The Reconstruction and Development Coalition held its regular meeting, chaired by the head of the coalition, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, with all members in attendance.

The participants discussed political and security developments and the ongoing dialogues taking place among various political forces.

The Reconstruction and Development Coalition affirms its commitment to the constitutional timelines for forming the next government, and to the importance of a political, economic and security program capable of addressing the major challenges facing Iraq in a manner that meets our people’s aspirations for reconstruction, development and prosperity.

The coalition also reiterates its support for its nominee for prime minister, Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, based on his successful experience in leading the executive authority, and on the fact that the coalition represents the largest bloc within the Coordination Framework as well as the largest parliamentary bloc.