Al Ameri withdraws candidacy for Iraq PM

Shiite militia leader Hadi Al Ameri, one of the most powerful figures in Iraq, withdrew his candidacy for prime minister yesterday, putting the country one step closer to forming a government after months of political stagnation.

Al Ameri heads the Fatih Alliance, an electoral bloc which came in second in May’s inconclusive national election. His coalition has been vying to build the largest bloc which would form the government, with him as prime minister.

“I would like to announce to the dear Iraqi people the withdrawal of my candidacy for prime minister, to open the way for serious dialogue to elect a prime minister and his government according to the vision of the Supreme religious authority,” he said in a news conference.

Al Ameri’s Fatih Alliance was composed of political groups tied to Iran-backed Shiite militias who helped government forces dislodge Daesh militants from the third of Iraq they seized four years ago. His Badr Organisation controls the interior ministry.

Al Ameri’s alliance has been in advanced talks with Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr to form a new alliance in recent days.