Hashd al-Shaabi’s al-Fatih coalition joins Sadr-led alliance to form next Iraqi government
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Al-Sairoon Coalition, the winner of Iraq’s May 12 parliamentary elections, and Iranian-backed Hashd al-Shaabi’s al-Fatih Coalition have reached an agreement to create the largest alliance in the next Iraqi Parliament.
Sairoon, headed by Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, and Fatih, led by Hadi al-Amiri, have agreed to join coalitions to form the next government, Iraqi media outlets reported on Tuesday.
According to Shafaq news agency, Amiri visited Sadr’s office in Najaf to discuss the developments in the Iraqi political process, including the formation of the next government.
Speaking to the press following his meeting with Amiri, Sadr said the coalition with Fatih is within the national framework and will maintain the tripartite alliance, referring to Sairoon’s partnership with al-Hikma and the National Alliance, led by Ammar al-Hakim and Iraqi Vice-President Ayad Allawi respectively.
Ahmed al-Assadi, a spokesperson for Fatih, said in a statement that the coalition and Sairoon urge all parties to join their alliance.
He said the unified coalition would agree on a plan to form a government that can address the challenges Iraq faces today and in the years to come.
Assadi added that the joint alliance does not exclude any party, stressing that those parties who do not agree with the plan can become the opposition.
On June 8, Sadr, Allawi, and Hakim met and signed an initial agreement outlining the core principles of maintaining the unity of Iraq, consolidation of democracy and freedoms, and a commitment to the Constitution.
According to the roadmap, the tripartite alliance opposes politicizing the country’s military and administrative institutions.
Sadr’s Sairoon swept the election by winning 54 parliamentary seats.
He is said to be in talks with current Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s al-Nasr Coalition, the Hikma alliance, the National Alliance, and leading parties from the Kurdistan Region to form the next Iraqi government.
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany