President Rashid urges adherence to constitutional deadlines in forming next government

BAGHDAD — President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid on Saturday called for strict adherence to constitutional timelines as Iraq enters the process of forming its next government, urging political forces to unite after the parliamentary elections.

Rashid made the remarks while speaking at a memorial ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim and Iraqi Martyrs’ Day.

“Consolidating the democratic process is a national duty, to be fulfilled through adherence to constitutional timelines,” Rashid said. “In this context, we call for the unification of efforts and for moving forward with the formation of a government that represents all Iraqis and fulfills their hopes for a prosperous and advanced Iraq.”

He said Iraq now faces key constitutional obligations following the vote. “Ahead of us lie pivotal constitutional obligations to form legislative and executive authorities that genuinely reflect the will of the Iraqi people and work to realize their aspirations for a dignified life,” Rashid said.

The president issued a republican decree on Dec. 16 calling the newly elected Council of Representatives to convene its first session on Dec. 29, after the Federal Supreme Court ratified the final results of the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections. Under the decree, the opening session will be chaired by the oldest member of parliament, in line with constitutional requirements.

The Supreme Judicial Council has said the constitutional timetable began on Dec. 14, the date the election results were certified, requiring parliament to elect a speaker and two deputies within 15 days.

Iraq’s Nov. 11 elections filled all 329 parliamentary seats. The Reconstruction and Development Coalition led by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani won 46 seats, short of a majority, leaving the formation of the next government dependent on negotiations and alliances among multiple political blocs.

Full statement:

President of the Republic Participates in the Memorial Ceremony Marking the Martyrdom of Sayyid al-Hakim and the Commemoration of Iraqi Martyrs’ Day

His Excellency the President of the Republic, Dr. Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, participated on Saturday, 20 December 2025, in the memorial ceremony marking the 23rd anniversary of the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim and the commemoration of Iraqi Martyrs’ Day. The ceremony was held in Baghdad under the patronage of the private office of His Eminence Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim.

In his address on the occasion, the President affirmed that commemorating Iraqi Martyrs’ Day serves to honor the great sacrifices made by the sons of our noble people from the various branches of our security forces—the army, police, Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Peshmerga—on the path toward freedom and democracy and in confronting dictatorship and terrorism. He praised the courageous stances of His Eminence Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim and his inclusive national project.

His Excellency further noted that consolidating the democratic process is a national duty, to be achieved through adherence to constitutional timelines, the unification of efforts, and moving forward with the formation of a government that represents all Iraqis and fulfills their aspirations to build a prosperous and advanced Iraq characterized by security and stability.

Below is the full text of His Excellency the President’s speech:

“In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

His Eminence Sayyid Ammar al-Hakim,

President of the National Wisdom Movement,

Esteemed ladies and gentlemen, each according to his or her position,

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.

We gather today on a momentous national occasion that marks an important chapter in our contemporary history—one that Iraq endured under extremely complex circumstances for many long decades.

We commemorate Iraqi Martyrs’ Day to honor the great sacrifices made by the sons of our noble people from the various branches of our security forces—the army, police, Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Peshmerga—on the path of freedom and democracy and in confronting dictatorship and terrorism.

We recall with pride and sorrow the painful anniversary of the martyrdom of Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim, a great religious and national symbol who struggled against dictatorship, a wise voice that called for moderation, freedom, social justice, and peaceful coexistence, and who paid with his life for his courageous positions and his inclusive national project.

We also remember the legacy of His Eminence Sayyid Abdul Aziz al-Hakim (may God have mercy on him), one of the pillars of national political action after 2003, who likewise devoted his life to building the state, consolidating the democratic process, defending Iraq’s unity and sovereignty, seeking national reconciliation, and prioritizing wisdom and dialogue during the most difficult of times.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our national, moral, and educational responsibility requires us to always remember the sacrifices of the martyrs, scholars, and great national figures, and to pass on their stories of heroism to future generations as an integral part of the country’s history and identity. The martyrs did not sacrifice their lives for the present alone, but for a future governed by freedom, dignity, and justice.

Hence the importance of incorporating the lives and struggles of these great figures into educational curricula, so that they may serve as lessons in sacrifice, belonging, and citizenship, nurturing aware generations who understand the value of the homeland, preserve its memory, and realize that the security and stability they enjoy today are the fruit of pure blood that must never be forgotten.

Iraq has overcome difficult stages following years of violence and terrorism, preceded by a period of tyranny, and has reached a state of security and stability. It is incumbent upon all to work to sustain this achievement, which requires redoubling efforts to resolve outstanding issues and to continue the process of construction and progress.

Our people have successfully conducted parliamentary elections, through which they demonstrated their commitment to democratic principles. Ahead of us lie pivotal constitutional obligations to form legislative and executive authorities that genuinely reflect the will of the Iraqi people and work to realize their aspirations for a dignified life.

Consolidating the democratic process is a national duty, to be fulfilled through adherence to constitutional timelines. In this context, we call for the unification of efforts and for moving forward with the formation of a government that represents all Iraqis and fulfills their hopes for a prosperous and advanced Iraq—a government capable of strengthening security and stability, combating corruption, improving living standards and the quality of services, and advancing the education and health sectors, along with all other sectors.

Mercy and eternal glory to the martyred Sayyid Muhammad Baqir al-Hakim and to all the martyrs of Iraq.

Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.