Deadline set for Iraq’s parties to form majority

Iraqi President Fuad Masum yesterday issued a decree calling Parliament to convene on September 3, setting a deadline for legislators to form the next government and begin much-needed reforms to rebuild the country.

The backroom negotiations are under way with parties vying to form a coalition stable enough to form a government and maintain a majority in parliament.

In May, electoral lists led by populist cleric Moqtada Al Sadr and Iranian-backed militia chief Hadi Al Amiri won the largest share of the 329 seats. But a recount delayed the announcement of final results until this month.

“The president has held several substantive talks with all political groups, urging them to finalise their political agreements to meet constitutional provisions,” his office said.

The first session of Parliament after an election is important because members elect a new speaker and two deputies. They will later elect a president and tell the leader of the largest bloc to form a government as prime minister.

Mr Al Sadr, who is leading a quartet of parties with 136 seats, needs to secure 28 more to form a majority.

The Saroon bloc leader has formed a coalition with the blocs of Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi’s Victory, Shiite cleric Amar Al Hakim’s Wisdom and Vice President Ayad Allawi’s National Alliance.

On Monday, a delegation of representatives from the quartet held talks with Kurdish leaders in Erbil.

Kurdish parties, including the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, have collectively secured more than 40 seats in the elections. There is still no word on how close to an agreement the parties are.

Election results were ratified by the Supreme Court on August 19 after accusations of fraud forced a partial recount. It gave Mr Masum 15 days to call the new parliament into session, the first step in a 90day process outlined in the constitution that will lead to a new government.

Mr Al Abadi is leading a fragile caretaker government until its replacement can be agreed and has already had to contend with mass protests across the south at the state of basic government services.

But political wrangling over who is appointed prime minister will probably delay the process for weeks or even months.

Public frustration is increasing over poor basic service provision, high unemployment and the slow pace of rebuilding after a three-year war against ISIS.