Iraq’s new parliament to convene Monday for swearing-in, speaker vote

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Council of Representatives will hold the first session of its new legislative term on Monday at 12 p.m., with lawmakers set to take the constitutional oath and then vote to elect the parliament speaker and two deputies, according to the parliamentary media department.

The session will be chaired by Amer al-Fayez, the oldest member of parliament, in line with constitutional procedures.

Members elected in the Nov. 11 vote will be sworn in before the chamber moves to an internal election for the speaker and deputy speakers for the sixth parliamentary term.

The opening session comes as uncertainty persists over whether Sunni blocs will agree on a candidate for speaker in time. Sunni political forces have so far failed to settle on a nominee, leaving the position unresolved days before the constitutional deadline for electing the speaker and two deputies.