Mahmoud al-Mashhadani elected Iraqi parliament speaker

Al-Mashhadani’s political career includes a previous tenure as Speaker of the Council of Representatives from 2006 to 2008 when he represented the Sunni Arab-led Iraqi Accord Front.

Mahmoud al-Mashhadani. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Mahmoud al-Mashhadani. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a decisive second round of voting on Thursday, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani secured his position as the new speaker of the Iraqi parliament, receiving 182 votes and defeating rival candidate Saleem Isawi. The election marks an important chapter in Iraq's parliamentary leadership, following a period of contention and multiple rounds of voting.

Al-Mashhadani, a seasoned politician and experienced leader, brings a robust background to the role. Born in 1948 in the Shi'ite district of Baghdad, he completed his medical education at Baghdad Medical College in 1972 before joining the Iraqi Army Medical Corps in 1975, eventually rising to the rank of Major. Al-Mashhadani’s political career includes a previous tenure as Speaker of the Council of Representatives from 2006 to 2008 when he represented the Sunni Arab-led Iraqi Accord Front.

As parliament speaker, al-Mashhadani will oversee legislative sessions and play a critical role in guiding Iraq's political agenda. His return to the speaker's chair is expected to strengthen Sunni representation in Iraq's government, a development welcomed by many seeking balance in the nation's governance structure.