Al-Kadhimi, Maliki call for swift government formation

BAGHDAD — Former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi visited State of Law Coalition leader and fellow ex-PM Nouri Al-Maliki on Monday to discuss Iraq’s current political and security developments, with both figures emphasizing the need to accelerate government formation.

Iraq held its parliamentary elections on November 11, 2025, to elect all 329 members of the Council of Representatives, the legislature that chooses the president and influences the appointment of the prime minister.

Al-Maliki’s office said in a statement that the two leaders “exchanged views on the political process and the challenges of the current phase.”

The meeting focused on the importance of dialogue among political forces and the prioritization of national interest. According to the statement, both sides agreed that these efforts are essential “to support stability and strengthen the foundations of political work.”

Maliki is a senior Iraqi politician and the current head of the State of Law Coalition. He served as Iraq’s prime minister from 2006 to 2014.

The statement added that there was mutual affirmation of “the need to take practical steps toward forming the government in accordance with constitutional entitlements.”

Official results show the Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani won 46 seats, but no party or coalition secured a majority. Forming a government will require alliances and compromises among several blocs.

Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council on Sunday set out the constitutional timetable for forming the next government following the Federal Supreme Court’s ratification of the final results of the 2025 parliamentary elections. In a statement, the council said the deadlines begin from Dec. 14, 2025. It said the new Council of Representatives must elect its speaker and two deputies within 15 days, setting a deadline of Dec. 29, 2025. The first session of parliament is expected within that period.