Badr lawmaker: those rejecting Maliki bid can go into opposition

BAGHDAD — Abu Turab al-Tamimi, a lawmaker from the Badr Organization, said Nouri al-Maliki remains the Coordination Framework’s candidate for prime minister, denying reports that he had withdrawn from the race.

“Mr. Nouri al-Maliki was and still is the Coordination Framework’s candidate for the position of prime minister, and he has not withdrawn from the nomination,” Tamimi said.

He described media reports about Maliki’s alleged withdrawal as “false and far from the truth and aimed at confusing the situation and misleading public opinion.”

Tamimi said that under constitutional procedures, the largest parliamentary bloc has the right to nominate a candidate. “Iraq is a free and democratic country. According to constitutional contexts, the largest bloc has the right to nominate whomever it deems appropriate to form the government,” he said.

He added that no country, “whether America or others,” has the right to interfere in Iraq’s internal affairs, and that choosing the prime minister is “a sovereign decision that concerns Iraqis alone.”

Tamimi said those who do not support Maliki’s nomination can move to the opposition. “Whoever does not wish to nominate al-Maliki should go to the opposition, and this is his right guaranteed by the constitution. Parliamentary constitutional democratic opposition is a positive option for Iraq and Iraqis,” he said.

The Coordination Framework nominated Maliki following the 2025 elections. President Donald Trump said the United States would not continue support for Iraq if Maliki returned to office.

State of Law spokesperson Aqeel al-Fatlawi said Tuesday that Maliki’s nomination remains in place, dismissing talk of sanctions as unfounded.