Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani elected Iraq’s speaker of parliament following yearlong deadlock

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Parliament elected Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani as speaker on Thursday after nearly a year without a leader in the position, concluding months of political impasse over a successor to former Speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi, who was removed by Iraq’s judiciary last November.

Al-Mashhadani, backed by a coalition of Sunni parties, the Shia Coordination Framework, and Kurdish factions, secured the role after two rounds of voting. In the final round, he received 182 votes from the 269 members present. The first round, which saw four candidates competing — Salem Al-Essawi, Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani, Talal Zobaie, and Amer Abdul Jabbar — ended without an absolute majority. Al-Mashhadani led with 153 votes in the initial round, followed by Al-Essawi with 95, Abdul Jabbar with 9, and 14 invalid ballots.

This was the third attempt in almost a year to elect a new speaker, with previous efforts stalling due to Sunni factions’ inability to reach a consensus on a single candidate. Under Iraq’s sectarian power-sharing system, established after 2003, the speaker position is traditionally held by a Sunni, the Prime Minister by a Shiite, and the Presidency by a Kurd.

Prior to the session, Al-Mashhadani emphasized his support among Sunni political leaders. “I am the candidate supported by the majority of Sunnis. If there is unity in support, individual votes won’t matter — the Sunni majority has chosen me,” he told reporters, calling for Kurdish factions’ backing.

Following his election, Al-Mashhadani expressed gratitude to parliament members for their support. “It is an honor to extend my deepest thanks and respect to everyone who placed their trust in me as speaker of parliament,” he said. “There is no difference for me between those who voted in favor or against, as democracy is built on diverse perspectives.” He pledged to prioritize collaborative efforts, “The responsibility you have given me is both significant and challenging, and I am committed to meeting your expectations. I pledge to work as a cohesive team to pass laws that benefit our beloved country and to oversee government performance.”

Reflecting on his parliamentary experience, he remarked, “One essential lesson I’ve learned is that differences in opinion between political blocs strengthen the legislative process, fostering well-rounded perspectives that ultimately improve proposed laws.”

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani congratulated Al-Mashhadani, highlighting the importance of parliament’s role in supporting the government’s initiatives. “I warmly congratulate my colleague Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani on his election as speaker of parliament,” Al-Sudani said. He emphasized the government’s commitment to parliament’s oversight role: “On this occasion, the government reaffirms its determination to implement its developmental and service-oriented agenda in full cooperation with constitutional authorities, especially the legislative and oversight body represented by parliament.”

Sunni leaders conveyed their support for Al-Mashhadani. Former Speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi, leader of the Taqaddum Party, pledged his backing and urged Al-Mashhadani to prioritize laws associated with the political agreement document. “We congratulate Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani on his election as speaker of parliament, reaffirming our commitment to supporting him and the legislative authority in fulfilling their constitutional duties,” Al-Halbousi said, adding, “No sympathy for the traitors.”

Sovereignty Alliance leader Khamis Al-Khanjar extended congratulations, urging the speaker to address legislative reforms, including General Amnesty Law amendments, compensation for cities affected by terrorism, and dissolving the Accountability and Justice Commission. “We congratulate Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani on assuming the role of speaker, closing nearly a year of vacancy in this position,” he stated.

Al-Mashhadani, born in Baghdad in 1948, is a seasoned politician who held the speaker role from 2006 to 2008. He was the first to assume this position after the U.S.-led invasion and the Transitional National Assembly, and has previously served as President of the Arab Parliamentary Union. A medical doctor by training, he graduated from Baghdad’s College of Medicine in 1972 and later became active in Iraq’s political landscape, including serving on the Constitutional Drafting Committee.