Iraqi parliament to vote on new speaker
In the interim, First Deputy Speaker Muhsin al-Mandalawi has assumed the role of speaker, a decision made by parliament in response to the court ruling.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi parliament is scheduled to convene on Thursday to vote on the election of a new parliamentary speaker following a ruling by the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq on Nov. 14, 2023, which ordered the cancellation of Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi’s membership. This development follows allegations of corruption and fraud that, according to Iraqi media, have led to al-Halbousi’s removal from office.
In the interim, First Deputy Speaker Muhsin al-Mandalawi has assumed the role of speaker, a decision made by parliament in response to the court ruling. Al-Halbousi, who has held the position of parliamentary speaker since 2018, is also the head of the Progress Party (Takadum) and previously served as governor of Anbar province, a role he assumed following an election by the Anbar provincial council on August 29, 2017.
Efforts by Sunni parliamentary factions to reach a consensus on a permanent replacement for al-Halbousi have thus far been inconclusive, with multiple meetings held to discuss potential candidates. Thursday’s parliamentary session will aim to finalize the appointment of a new speaker, a decision with significant implications for Iraq’s legislative leadership and stability amidst ongoing political challenges.
