Basra’s tug of war over governor position

BASRA, 10 January — A heightened level of media exchanges has been observed between two political coalitions, “Tasmim” led by Governor Asaad al-Eidani, and “Nabni” led by Uday Awad, a deputy of Sadiqun (AAH) in Basra. Uday Awad, who appears confident about the defection of two members from Tasmim to join his coalition, Nabni, has faced denials from Tasmim. The coalition asserts that the coordination framework offered them “everything” in Basra on the condition of replacing Asaad al-Eidani, who currently enjoys public support based on an anti-traditional party sentiment.

Uday Awad, Head of Nabni Coalition in Basra, to 964media:
“We are awaiting the ratification of the election results by the Commission. So far, two winning members from the Tasmim coalition have expressed their desire to join us. This will bring the number of seats for the Coordination Framework in the Provincial Council to 13 members, qualifying us to form the largest bloc for choosing the new governor. We are executing what the Coordination Framework decides and chooses. We have no issues with Asaad al-Eidani, but ultimately, it’s the Framework’s decision that is implemented, and we are proceeding with forming the local government.”

Amer al-Fayez, Head of Tasmim Coalition, to 964media:
“There are no defections in the Tasmim coalition, but the other side is exerting media pressure to influence the will of Tasmim’s members. We were offered to have the governor and the council president from Tasmim, on the condition of replacing Asaad al-Eidani. We rejected this offer and reaffirmed our commitment to our sole candidate for the governor’s position, Asaad al-Eidani. Anything else would be a betrayal of trust, and we will not back down from this decision.”