Hammoudi urges harmony, stronger parliament ahead of new session

BAGHDAD — Head of the Supreme Islamic Council, Humam Hammoudi, said Thursday that the coming stage requires “a spirit of harmony and prioritizing higher interests” to strengthen confidence in “Iraq’s constitutional democratic system.”

According to a statement from Hammoudi’s media office, Hammoudi met with Azm Alliance leader Muthanna Al-Samarrai to discuss national developments, ongoing challenges, the course of political dialogues, and the need to adhere to constitutional timelines for forming the three branches of power.

During the meeting, Hammoudi stressed “the importance of responsible and positive dialogue and a spirit of harmony among political forces to shape the next stage with a unified national vision that transcends past mistakes and establishes lasting stability.”

He added that “the challenges of the current phase require harmony and prioritizing higher interests to enhance trust in the democratic constitutional system.”

Hammoudi further expressed his aspiration to see “a strong and courageous parliament that becomes a source of strength for the next government, embodies the popular will and aspirations, and preserves the stability of the political system.”

Iraq’s Nov. 11 elections filled all 329 seats in the Council of Representatives. The Federal Supreme Court ratified the final results earlier this month, formally triggering the constitutional timetable for forming the next government.

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid issued a republican decree on Dec. 16 calling the newly elected parliament to convene its first session on Dec. 29. Under the decree, the opening session will be chaired by the oldest member of parliament, in line with constitutional requirements.

Political blocs must elect a speaker and two deputies within 15 days of the first session, after which parliament is required to elect a president of the republic within 30 days. The Sunni blocs, who traditionally hold the speakership, delayed the nomination of a candidate following a meeting Tuesday.