Barzani, Zidan discuss post-election constitutional steps in Duhok

DUHOK — Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani met Tuesday with Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council President Faiq Zidan to discuss “constitutional obligations” and procedures for convening the new session of parliament and forming the next Iraqi government, according to a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

The meeting took place in Duhok on the sidelines of the Middle East Peace and Security forum.

Both sides highlighted “the peaceful conduct” of the Nov. 11 parliamentary elections. Zidan emphasized the importance of adhering to constitutional commitments and following legal procedures in the formation of the new government.

The discussion also covered the broader political situation in Iraq and the region, the statement read.

Barzani also met today with Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani in Duhok to discuss the outcomes of the parliamentary elections and proposals to amend the electoral law.

Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission on Monday released the final results of the parliamentary vote, confirming turnout at more than 56 percent and publishing the full distribution of all 329 seats.

Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court ruled Monday that the current parliament’s term has ended and that the cabinet formed under it is now restricted to caretaker functions only, responding to a request from President Abdul Latif Rashid.

Once final election results are ratified, the president must call the newly elected parliament into session. Lawmakers then elect a speaker and later choose a president, who in turn tasks the nominee of the largest bloc with forming a cabinet. The prime minister-designate must present the government to parliament for a confidence vote.