Latest news with #StateofLawCoalition
Shafaq News
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Credibility crisis engulfs Iraq's parliament ahead of elections
Shafaq News Iraq's fifth parliament has come under 'scathing criticism' from politicians who described it as one of the most dysfunctional in the country's post-2003 history, just months before the November parliamentary elections. According to Zuhair al-Jalabi, a senior figure in the State of Law Coalition (SLC -led by Nuri al-Maliki), the parliament lost popular legitimacy after the withdrawal of the largest Shiite bloc -the Sadrist, with mounting concerns over election fraud and executive interference in parliamentary affairs. The prolonged vacancy following the dismissal of former Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi and the appointment of what many consider a 'weak replacement' (Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani) have deepened the crisis. Sunni blocs, he added, have also been accused of functioning more like "business entities than genuine political actors." Since January 2022, lawmakers have held only 132 of the 256 sessions required by internal regulations. This underperformance, amounting to about 51% of the expected legislative workload, has weakened both legislative and oversight functions, according to MPs and observers. Political efforts to delay amendments to the electoral law and stall budget implementation have disrupted essential services such as salary adjustments and staff promotions, a member of the Shaabaniya Uprising bloc said, stressing that these obstructions have exacerbated public dissatisfaction with the government's performance. Unresolved divisions among Iraq's major ethno-sectarian components fuel institutional gridlock. Former MP Kamel al-Ghurairi linked the institutional paralysis to persistent rifts among Iraq's main ethno-sectarian blocs. He emphasized that chronic absenteeism among MPs had severely disrupted legislative momentum, predicting that voter participation in November would be diminished by the chamber's poor record on socioeconomic legislation. The ongoing deadlock is widely viewed as a symptom of deeper structural flaws within Iraq's consensus-based power-sharing system. Analyst Mujashaa al-Tamimi explained that 'party rivalries and lack of coordination are central reasons for legislative paralysis, including on critical issues like budget approval and anti-corruption reforms.' Without urgent political and institutional reform, he cautioned, 'the widening gap between the public and the state threatens to further destabilize Iraq's already fragile governance.' The Iraqi High Electoral Commission has officially set November 11 as the date for parliamentary elections following earlier delays caused by incomplete legislation and logistical issues. As the elections draw near, Iraq's parliament resumed sessions on July 12, marking the start of its final legislative year.
Shafaq News
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Ex-military spokesman joins Iraq's parliamentary race
Shafaq News – Baghdad Yehya Rasool, Iraq's former spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, announced his candidacy for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11. In a post on X, Rasool revealed on Saturday that he will contest the race in Baghdad as part of the State of Law Coalition (SLC), a prominent political bloc led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The coalition currently holds 33 out of 328 seats in Iraq's parliament. بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم(الإرادة لا تُهزم حين يقودها الإيمان بالوطن)من ميادين الشرف في مواجهة الإرها....ب، إلى ميادين الخدمة العامة والبناء المدني. أعلن رسمياً ترشّحي لانتخابات مجلس النواب عن قائمة دولة القانون، بالتسلسل (٣٣) بغداد . — يحيى رسول | Yehia Rasool (@IraqiSpoxMOD) June 28, 2025
Shafaq News
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Maliki: Iraq must strengthen its state and security institutions
Shafaq News – Baghdad Nouri al-Maliki, the head of the State of Law Coalition, emphasized the need for Iraq to become a strong state capable of defending its sovereignty, warning that regional conflicts could eventually impact Iraq. In a statement released by his media office to mark the Islamic month of Muharram and the commemoration of Ashura, al-Maliki said that true reform should go beyond political slogans, 'It must involve a strategic framework that tackles weaknesses in state institutions, promotes social justice, improves living standards, provides essential services, and creates employment opportunities. These are legitimate rights of the people—not a favor from anyone or a political bargaining chip.' Al-Maliki also stressed the importance of conducting an urgent review of Iraq's security and military institutions to ensure they are capable of maintaining political, social, and security stability, and of defending the country from external threats. Referring to escalating regional tensions, he pointed out, 'Today, as the region undergoes dangerous transformations, and with the Israeli wars rolling from Gaza to Lebanon, then Syria, and now threatening the Islamic Republic [of Iran], Iraq will not remain immune.' 'Iraq must be a strong state, equipped with all means to defend its sovereignty, people, and sacred sites.' Al-Maliki concluded by noting that while global powers possess all forms of strength, Iraq must aspire to reach a similar level—not for aggression, as in the era of the former Ba'athist regime—but to safeguard its sovereignty, rights, and the higher interests of the Iraqi people.
Shafaq News
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Capital frontmen dominate Baghdad's ballot battle
Shafaq News – Baghdad Iraq's Capital Frontmen are reclaiming center stage in Baghdad, with top political leaders securing the number-one slot on their party lists ahead of the country's high-stakes parliamentary elections on November 11. Among the veteran power players leading their respective coalitions in the capital are Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for the Reconstruction and Development Alliance, Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi for the Taqadum Party, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki for the State of Law Coalition, and Mahmoud al-Qaisi for the Azm Alliance. Also positioned as frontrunners are Naeem al-Aboudi of the Sadiqoun Bloc (affiliated with Asaib Ahl al-Haq), Mahmoud al-Mashhadani for the Sovereignty and Initiative Alliance, Ammar Musa al-Asadi representing the State Forces Alliance, and Mohsen al-Mandalawi leading the National Foundation Independent High Electoral Commission formally closed candidate registration on Thursday, refusing to extend the deadline. The move paves the way for list confirmations and the launch of campaign activities across the country, with Baghdad standing out as the most hotly contested arena. Shafaq News reported in May that several major figures had already staked claims to the top ballot slot in the capital. The list included al-Sudani, al-Maliki, al-Halbousi, Badr leader Hadi al-Amiri, and National Foundation chief Mohsen al-Mandalawi—many of whom are now confirmed as their coalition's number-one pick. The Coordination Framework—an influential Shiite political alliance that includes the State of Law Coalition, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, and Ammar al-Hakim's al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement—opted in April to run with multiple electoral lists. Leaders have left the door open for a post-election realignment under a single parliamentary bloc, depending on the results. This strategy reflects shifting dynamics within the ruling camp, as well as attempts to broaden appeal across diverse electoral bases. However, fragmentation could also pose a risk to traditional blocs if emerging candidates gain traction. Former MP Kazem al-Sayyadi underscored Baghdad's outsized influence in Iraqi politics, noting that the capital holds 69 parliamentary seats—roughly the equivalent of five southern provinces combined. 'Only 10% of the election battle in Baghdad is about laws or legislation,' al-Sayyadi told Shafaq News. 'The rest involves influence, financial power, and vote-buying.' He alleged that the price of a single vote in some areas has reached one million dinars, or approximately $300.
Iraqi News
01-06-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Al-Maliki: Iraq Will Not Be an Arena for Settling Scores
Baghdad-INA The head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, confirmed today, Sunday, that Iraq will not be an arena for settling scores. The media office of the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, stated in a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that "the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, received today in his office the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Iraq, Elbrus Kutrashev." He added that "the two sides exchanged views and perspectives on Russia's relations with Iraq and the mutual visits between officials of the two friendly countries." He noted that "regional and international developments in the region, particularly in Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon, and the repercussions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, were reviewed, in addition to the ongoing negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America." According to the statement, the head of the State of Law Coalition pointed to "the importance of expanding the prospects of joint cooperation between Iraq and the Russian Federation in a manner that serves the interests of the two friendly peoples," explaining that "the Middle East is facing serious challenges that require work and cooperation to preserve security and stability and protect it from dangers." He stressed that "Iraq will not be an arena for settling scores." For his part, the Russian ambassador praised Iraq's efforts to "consolidate the foundations of peace in the region," stressing "Moscow's commitment to maintaining bilateral cooperation in the service of the security, stability, and prosperity of both countries."
