Federal court rules against KDP candidate for Iraq presidency

According to the court, the Kurdish candidate does not meet the conditions.

Kurdistan 24 2022/02/13 14:38

A picture shows the Supreme Judicial Council building in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Dec. 27, 2021. (Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaye/AFP)

Iraq Iraqi Elections Federal Court Iraq Hoshyar Zebari

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Iraqi federal court on Sunday decided to terminate the candidacy of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) nominee for the presidency, Hoshyar Zebari, as he does not meet the necessary conditions for the position.

The court on Feb. 6 decided to temporarily suspend his candidacy after a number of lawmakers filed a lawsuit against him that alleged he was involved in corruption in his previous position as Iraq’s minister of finance.

Zebari’s case was ruled based on Article 68 of the Iraqi Constitution that lists the requirements a candidate of the ceremonial position must meet.

According to the court, the Kurdish candidate does not meet the conditions.

He is expected to hold a press conference in Baghdad at 3:30 pm on Sunday, the party’s spokesperson in the parliament said.

Having postponed a session on Feb. 7 to elect Iraq’s next president, the parliament has not yet set a new date for the election.