State of Law, PUK discuss presidency pick and government formation

BAGHDAD – State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki met Monday with a delegation from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by KRG Deputy PM Qubad Talabani to discuss political developments and ongoing talks to form Iraq’s next government, with both sides stressing the need for a presidential candidate who enjoys broad national acceptance.

In a statement, the State of Law media office said the PUK delegation congratulated al-Maliki on the results of the recent parliamentary elections and the “success of the democratic process.” Iraqis voted for all 329 seats in the Council of Representatives on Nov. 11.

The meeting reviewed current political conditions and negotiations among parties over forming the government. The two sides discussed the three top federal posts, the presidency, premiership and speakership, and exchanged views on how to manage these appointments in line with constitutional procedures.

On the presidency, both sides considered ways to reach a Kurdish agreement on “a suitable figure who enjoys national approval” for the post, saying such a choice should “enhance joint efforts” and meet the needs of the Iraqi people, according to the statement.

Preliminary results show 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. Forming a government will require alliances and compromises among several blocs.

Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing arrangement, the presidency is traditionally held by a Kurd, the premiership by a Shiite Arab and the speakership of parliament by a Sunni Arab. Within the Kurdish bloc, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has frequently held the presidency.