Iraq’s parliament will meet Tuesday to elect a new president, a step that will trigger the appointment of a prime minister widely expected to be Nouri al-Maliki after his endorsement by the largest Shiite bloc.
By convention, Iraq’s prime minister is a Shiite Muslim, the parliament speaker is Sunni and the largely ceremonial presidency is held by a Kurd.
Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbussi said Sunday the new legislature will convene to elect a president, according to the official INA press agency.
The president will then have 15 days to appoint a prime minister, typically nominated by the largest Shiite bloc formed through post-election alliances.
On Saturday, the Coordination Framework alliance — whose Shiite factions have varying links to Iran — endorsed former prime minister and powerbroker Maliki as the next premier. The alliance cited his “political and administrative experience and his record in running the state.”
Kurdish parties have yet to agree on a presidential candidate, who must be backed by other blocs and win a two-thirds majority in parliament. The post is traditionally held by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, but this year the rival Kurdistan Democratic Party nominated Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
Although Maliki’s endorsement all but guarantees his appointment, forming a government could take months and still fail. The designated prime minister has one month to assemble a cabinet and seek a parliamentary vote of confidence.
Maliki, 75, is poised to return to power amid shifting regional dynamics, as Iran’s influence wanes and tensions with Washington rise. Government formation must balance internal power-sharing while navigating pressure from Iraq’s two main allies, Iran and the United States.
A close ally of Tehran, Maliki will face U.S. demands that Baghdad dismantle Iran-backed factions, many of which Washington designates as terrorist groups. Iraqi officials and diplomats told AFP last month that the United States wants such groups excluded from government, despite their parliamentary representation and growing political and financial clout.
Iraq, however, is grappling with weak economic growth and risks further U.S. sanctions. Washington has already penalized several Iraqi entities, accusing them of helping Iran evade sanctions.