'Masoud Barzani is the only one who can nominate Iraq's next president': legal expert

"Any other candidate not backed by President Barzani will also not be approved by the Sadrists and Al-Halbousi bloc."

Dler S. Mohammed 2022/01/13 13:01

President Masoud Barzani during a press conference. (Photo: Khalid Mohammed/AP)

Kurdistan Masoud Barzani Iraqi presidency Al-Halbousi Sadrists

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani is the only one who can nominate a successful candidate for Iraq's presidency, Iraqi constitutional legal expert Tariq Harb said on Wednesday

"Any other candidate not backed by President Barzani will also not be approved by the Sadrist and Al-Halbousi bloc," Harb said during a televised interview with Dijla TV.

Barzani's nominee will not only be Iraq's next president, Harb added, but he will also be much more influential than his predecessors due to Barzani's support.

He also believes it's not likely that the current Iraqi president's term will be renewed.

"However, if President Barzani approved his renewal, Al-Halbousi and the Sadrists will approve it," he said.