Coordination Framework sets new threshold for PM nominee, says Hikma spox

BAGHDAD — The Coordination Framework has agreed a prime minister candidate must secure backing from at least eight of 12 bloc leaders representing a minimum of 110 members of parliament before Wednesday’s decisive meeting, Hikma Movement spokesperson Hussam al-Hasani said.

“What was approved by the leaders is that there should be eight leaders out of 12 at a minimum, and these eight must represent 110 MPs,” Hasani said in a televised interview.

Names were not discussed during Monday’s session, he said. Two candidates remain under consideration: Basim al-Badri, head of the Accountability and Justice Commission, and Ihsan al-Awadi, director of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office. Awadi’s name was put forward by the Reconstruction and Development bloc.

“Any candidate who secures the minimum of eight leaders and 110 MPs in Wednesday’s meeting will be the Coordination Framework’s nominee for prime minister,” Hasani said. “We in Hikma will support any name that achieves the equation.”

Leaders also agreed on two points Monday: commitment to constitutional timelines and the unity of the Coordination Framework. Secretary-General Abbas al-Amiri called on members to attend Wednesday’s meeting, which follows a session held at the home of Hikma Movement leader Ammar al-Hakim.

The Dawa Party insists Maliki’s nomination stands, while competing factions say eight blocs back Sudani against four for Maliki. Badri was said to have faced a U.S. veto; Maliki drew direct opposition from President Trump. President Nizar Amedi has 15 days from his April 12 inauguration under Article 76 to task the largest bloc’s nominee with forming a government.