Iraq PM Abadi to head new coalition in May vote
baghdad — Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi said on Sunday he would stand for re-election in May at the head of a new coalition, buoyed by victory over the Daesh group.
Abadi’s newly created “Victory Alliance” will face the “State of Law” bloc of Nouri Al Maliki, his predecessor, key rival and Dawa party co-member who now holds the post of vice-president.
The 65-year-old Abadi was little known when he became prime minister three years ago. In December, Abadi declared victory in the threeyear war by Iraqi forces to expel the militants.
Since taking over, the prime minister has also rebuilt the armed forces, taken back disputed areas in the north from the Kurds and torpedoed their hopes for independence.
He has also succeeded in persuading the Hashed Al Shaabi, a Shia-dominated paramilitary force which helped fight Daesh, to join his “Victory Alliance” which he describes as a “cross-sectarian” list.
The Hashed Al Shaabi, or Popular Mobilisation Units, now seeks to be a key political player in Iraq as well after proving itself to be a formidable force on the battlefield against Daesh.
Ahmed Al Kinani, spokesman for a list led by Asaib Ahl Al Haq, one of the militias under the Hashed umbrella, said that after “long negotiations” Abadi had won the support of 18 lists, including two led by key former Hashed commanders.
Abadi, one of the rare Shia politicians who enjoys grassroot support among the Sunni community, said on Saturday that his alliance is aimed at overcoming divisions in Iraq.
The alliance, said the 65-yearold premier, would strive to “protect the victory and the sacrifices” of the Iraqi people and to “fight against corruption... and for the unity of Iraq”. —