Shiite Coordination Framework nominates Nouri Al-Maliki for return as PM

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework on Saturday officially nominated State of Law Coalition leader Nouri al-Maliki for the position of prime minister by “majority vote”.

In a statement, the bloc said the decision was based on al-Maliki’s political and administrative experience and his role in managing the state.

Al-Maliki served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014, securing a second term after the 2010 election before stepping aside in 2014 under intense domestic and international pressure following the collapse of Iraqi army positions and the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.

The statement said the nomination followed an expanded meeting of the framework’s leaders held at the office of Hadi al-Amiri, during which they discussed political developments and the next phase.

“After in-depth and extensive discussions, the Coordination Framework decided by majority to nominate Nouri Kamil al-Maliki for the position of prime minister, as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc,” the statement said.

The bloc affirmed its “full commitment to the constitutional process” and said it would work with all national forces to form what it described as a strong and effective government capable of addressing challenges, delivering services, and safeguarding Iraq’s security and unity.

In the Nov. 11, 2025 parliamentary election, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition won 46 seats, followed by al-Maliki’s State of Law Coalition with 29, prompting the Coordination Framework to negotiate internally over the nomination of the next prime minister.

The statement also called on the Council of Representatives to convene to elect a president in accordance with constitutional timelines.

Voters elected all 329 members of parliament in November. In late December, the newly formed legislature chose Haibat al-Halbousi as speaker.