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Iraq Parliament Delays Presidency Vote Again Amid Kurdish Deadlock

Iraq's parliament has again postponed a session to elect the country's next president due to a deadlock between the main Kurdish parties and a lack of quorum. The delay threatens constitutional timelines for forming a government after last year's parliamentary elections. The largest Shiite bloc reaffirmed its nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership, a move criticized by U.S. President Donald Trump. Al-Maliki dismissed Trump's warning as unacceptable interference in Iraq's sovereign affairs.

Key Points: Iraq Presidency Vote Delayed Again in Political Deadlock

  • Parliament session adjourned without quorum
  • Kurdish parties fail to agree on candidate
  • Constitutional timelines for government formation at risk
  • U.S. warns against al-Maliki's return to premiership
2 min read

Iraq's parliament delays presidency vote again amid political deadlock

Iraq's parliament postpones presidential election again due to Kurdish party disputes and lack of quorum, deepening the government formation crisis.

"blatant US interference and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty - Nouri al-Maliki"

Seoul, Feb 2

Iraq's parliament has postponed a session to elect the country's next president following a similar decision last week, due to a persistent deadlock between the two main Kurdish parties.

The session was adjourned on Sunday (local time) after the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan failed to agree on a consensus candidate for the presidential post, as well as the lack of a quorum, reports Xinhua news agency.

A statement by the parliament's media office said that the speaker held a meeting with the heads of the parliamentary blocs to discuss setting a date for the presidential election, stressing "the importance of adhering to the constitutional timelines."

Iraq held parliamentary elections in November last year. Under the constitution, the parliament must elect a president within 30 days of its first session, which was held on December 29, 2025.

The president then has 15 days to nominate the leader of the largest parliamentary bloc as the prime minister to form a new cabinet, which must win a confidence vote within 30 days.

Iraq's Coordination Framework (CF), an umbrella alliance of Shiite parties and the largest parliamentary bloc, reaffirmed on Saturday its support for the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the premiership, rejecting foreign interference in the government formation process.

On January 24, the CF nominated al-Maliki to head the next government.

US President Donald Trump warned on Tuesday that Washington would "no longer help Iraq" if al-Maliki returned to power. Al-Maliki dismissed the comments on Wednesday as "blatant US interference" and a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.

Under Iraq's post-2003 ethno-sectarian power-sharing system, the presidency is reserved for a Kurd, the parliamentary speaker for a Sunni Muslim, and the prime minister for a Shiite Muslim.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Reading this from India, it's a reminder of how precious a stable, functioning democracy is. The ethno-sectarian power-sharing system seems to be causing more division than unity. 🤔 Their constitution has timelines, but no one is following them!
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Aman W
The US warning is problematic. Iraq is a sovereign nation. While India maintains good relations with all, we've seen how foreign interference can derail a country's progress for decades. Al-Maliki has a point about sovereignty.
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Sarah B
As an expat living in Delhi, this feels familiar. Political deadlock is frustrating for citizens everywhere. The Kurdish parties need to prioritize national interest over party politics. The people of Iraq deserve a functioning government.
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Vikram M
Respectfully, while criticizing Iraq's system, we should also look at our own coalition politics and delays. It's easy to point fingers. The core issue is leaders putting their bloc's power above swift governance. Hope they resolve it.
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Kavya N
The power-sharing by religion/ethnicity is a ticking time bomb. It hardens identities instead of building a common Iraqi identity. India's secular framework, despite challenges, is far better for long-term unity. 🇮🇳

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