Maliki coalition responds to Taqaddum: ‘opposition is part of democracy’

BAGHDAD – Hisham al-Rikabi, media director for the State of Law Coalition led by prime ministerial candidate Nouri al-Maliki, said Tuesday that opposition is a legitimate part of a “living democratic system” and that the door remains open to national partnership.

His comments came after the Taqaddum Party, led by Mohammed al-Halbousi, said it would not participate in any future government led by figures it said would return Iraq to sectarian conflict, a reference to al-Maliki’s previous tenure. The Shiite Coordination Framework nominated al-Maliki for prime minister by majority vote two days earlier.

Al-Rikabi said in a post on social media: “Respecting political stances is a legitimate right, and opposition is part of any living democratic system.”

“In the event Mr. Nouri al-Maliki is tasked with forming the government, the door to national partnership will remain open, and the work will aim to serve Iraq in all its diversity, with the conviction that previous experiences have taught us that stability is built through dialogue, not exclusion,” he said.

In a statement issued after a leadership meeting held in Baghdad on Jan. 27, Taqaddum said party leaders and members of its parliamentary bloc reaffirmed their “constant commitment to Iraq’s stability” and the continuation of “positive steps that enhance security, unity of the social fabric and the prioritization of national interest.” The party said it rejected participation in any government “led by personalities that bring Iraqis back to the memory of sectarian conflicts,” without naming individuals.

Al-Maliki served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014. He secured a second term in 2010 but stepped down in 2014 under intense domestic and international pressure after the collapse of army defenses and the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.