UN urges Iraqi politicians aid PM-designate to form government

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The United Nations on Sunday called on all Iraqi political entities to support Prime Minister-designate Adel Abdul-Mahdi and his government formation efforts and called for “meaningful” female representation therein.

In early October, the Iraqi Council of Representative elected Barham Salih as the country’s new president. Salih then named Abdul-Mahdi, a former vice president, as prime minister-designate and tasked him with forming his cabinet.

In meetings with Iraqi leaders, the Special Representative for Iraq of the United Nations Secretary-General, Jan Kubis, “notes their intention to facilitate the formation of the next government within the constitutional timeline,” a UN statement read.

Kubis expressed his delight at hearing officials and leaders’ desire for a “patriotic administration with a reform-minded programme away from sectarian and partisan quotas and corruption, with partnership participation of all components and segments of Iraq.”

Kubis called on parties to cooperate with Abdul-Mahdi “in the government formation process, prioritizing the well-being of the country and its people over partisan interests.”

Abdul-Mahdi’s office announced on Wednesday that he would submit a new cabinet to parliament for endorsement next week.

“The people of Iraq expect the prime minister-designate to be able and free to choose his own cabinet team with a composition that will send a strong positive response to Iraqi citizens who demand radical change and a break with the practices of the past.”

The UN’s Special Representative called “for the meaningful representation of women with key ministerial portfolios as well as respect for the rights of minorities.”

Iraq held nationwide parliamentary elections on May 12. The ratification of results was delayed for months due to a contentious recount process over allegations of fraud and vote rigging.

The new Iraqi government will be tasked with rebuilding the country after a three-year war against the Islamic State and balancing relations between Iraq’s biggest allies, Iran and the United States.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany