Calm Political Negotiations Open the Path to Finalising Iraq's Three Presidencies

PUKMEDIA

A previous meeting of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) delegation with Nuri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition.

Dialogue continues among Iraq's political forces that won the elections, progressing in a calm and measured manner amid indications that the three presidencies may be settled before the constitutional deadlines.

Abbas al-Moussawi, a member of the State of Law Coalition, confirmed that negotiations are advancing towards finalising the appointments in a balanced way. 

Al Sabah Newspaper quoted al-Moussawei as saying that that discussions are focusing in particular on Kurdish understandings regarding the presidential candidate, alongside talks with Sunni blocs to determine their share, all within a framework consistent with constitutional procedures.

Within the Sunni political arena, parties continue to hold consultative meetings to determine their position on the forthcoming appointments, including an expanded meeting held in Baghdad. Although the parties announced the formation of a “National Political Council” to coordinate their stance, observers consider such developments a natural part of the post-election landscape. 

Al Sabah Newspaper quoted Political analyst Mukhlid Hazem as saying that Sunni alliances remain in the early stages of reaching understandings, with the possibility of nominating Mohammed al-Halbousi for Speaker of Parliament emerging. However, he emphasised that the overall picture is still incomplete and is expected to become clearer in the coming days.

Similarly, Dr Manal Finjan, a professor of international law, suggested that the next phase will witness a quicker resolution of constitutional matters. 

In a statement to Al Sabah, Dr Finjan stressed that the ongoing consultations are marked by calm and political openness, in contrast to previous rounds that were overshadowed by tension and media escalation.

She added: “The negotiations are not limited to forming the ‘largest bloc’; rather, they involve open dialogue with other blocs, which reflects a high level of political maturity after six election cycles.” Dr Finjan predicted that “the formation of the next government will be faster than previous ones and will be completed before the deadlines for electing the three presidencies, as the negotiations demonstrate maturity and awareness in the political landscape and offer credibility and reassurance to Iraqi citizens at this stage.”

Regarding the premiership, Al Sabah quoted Aqeel al-Rudaini, spokesperson for the Victory Alliance, as saying that the Coordination Framework [the Shiite's ruling coalition] will decide internally on its candidate, while its committees has begun initial outreach to other blocs to hold preliminary consultations on sovereign positions.

He affirmed that “committees from the framework will begin visiting Sunni and Kurdish blocs to conduct initial dialogues concerning the positions of President of the Republic and Speaker of Parliament.” Al-Rudaini highlighted “persistent Kurdish internal disputes that resurface with every political term, with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) insisting on retaining the presidency of the Republic as a ‘historic entitlement’, while the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) also seeks the post, amid further internal divisions relating to the positions of President of the Region and Prime Minister of the Regional Government.”

Regarding the Sunni position, he noted that “disagreements persist among the Progress Party, Azem Alliance
and Sovereignty Alliance over the post of Speaker of Parliament,” pointing out that “Mohammed al-Halbousi remains the leading Sunni contender, although his nomination may face obstacles, heightening the need for consensus.”

Al-Rudaini added that “the current stage requires untangling complex equations among the various communities,” stressing the need to select “a purely economic prime minister capable of steering the country in the right direction, far removed from personal agendas.”

Meanwhile, a high-level delegation from the PUK has held several meetings in Baghdad. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) delegation met with political parties to discuss a roadmap for the next phase and the formation of the new government.

The PUK delegation comprised Nizar Amedi, head of the political bureau in Baghdad; Khalid Shwani, Minister of Justice; and Rizgar Haji Hama, head of the PUK's Election Bureau.

During the meetings, the PUK delegation discussed with political leaders the need to strengthen partnership and cooperation among national forces, in order to expedite the fulfilment of political obligations and to form a government capable of implementing the priorities of this period—completing the reform, reconstruction and development process across all Iraqi provinces.



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