Iraqi PM Al-Sudani Chooses Not to Participate in Local Elections, 18 DEC

 Iraqi PM Al-Sudani Chooses Not to Participate in Local Elections

In an unusual move, Iraq’s current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, has opted out of the ongoing local elections. This decision by al-Sudani, a second-generation Iraqi politician not associated with the opposition to Saddam Hussein’s regime, is a significant break from the norm. His peers within the Coordination Framework, on the other hand, are actively seeking seats in the central and southern provinces.

Deviation from the Traditional Path

Historically, Iraqi politicians, especially prime ministers, have leveraged their governmental roles to participate in elections, often being perceived as winners even before the announcement of vote counts. However, al-Sudani has chosen to remain a bystander in this electoral race. This decision may help avoid discontent among key leaders of the ruling coalition.

Political Maneuvering

Al-Sudani, after parting ways with the Islamic Dawa Party and former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in 2019, founded a new party, the Tigris River Coalition. Despite some party leaders reportedly having reservations, al-Sudani secured the confidence of the Shiite forces, thanks to the withdrawal of the Sadrist Movement from politics and the Coordination Framework’s leadership in government formation negotiations. This resulted in more than 14 candidates vying for the prime minister’s position.

Implications of the Decision

Supporters of al-Sudani’s government claim that his main focus is on the success of his cabinet during the current term, given the backing and consensus from the State Administration Coalition. This Coalition, which comprises Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties, represents over 280 deputies in the Iraqi parliament. However, the absence of the Sadrist Movement poses a significant challenge, with politicians indicating that al-Sudani’s efforts to include the Sadrists in the government have been unsuccessful so far.

Meanwhile, as the local elections proceed under strict monitoring, various political forces are vying for local seats. This includes the State of Law Coalition led by Nouri al-Maliki, the We Are a Nation Alliance led by the ousted parliamentary speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, and the Building Alliance comprising Qais al-Khazali and Hadi al-Amiri. Among the Kurdish forces, traditional competition continues in Kirkuk between the Kurdistan Democratic Party led by Masoud Barzani and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by Bafel Talabani, with both also competing in parts of Nineveh province. Civil forces, including the Values Alliance with a mix of liberal, leftist, and emerging Tishreen protest movement parties, are also participating in the elections.

https://bnnbreaking.com/politics/iraqi-pm-al-sudani-chooses-not-to-participate-in-local-elections/