Baghdad: Muthanna Al-Samarrai, leader of the Azm Alliance, affirmed that any candidate announced for the position of Speaker of Parliament does not represent the will of the National Political Council. He noted that some individuals might have been nominated by certain parties within the council, which he described as a legitimate right within a democratic environment.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Samarrai spoke at a late-night press conference, emphasizing that the formation of the National Political Council was based on a political agreement and internal bylaws signed by political forces and parties that won seats in the sixth parliamentary elections. This council is a representative body of the Sunni component.

He further stated that the alliance had avoided engaging in political disputes and rivalries during and after the election campaign to prevent negative impacts on public service delivery. The bloc chose not to respond to competitive rhetoric from other blocs, instead offering cooperation and unity to serve both the community and the country.

Al-Samarrai highlighted that the council’s internal regulations mandate that decisions must be made by consensus among its forming entities.

Earlier, the National Political Council nominated Haibat Al-Halbousi for the post of Speaker of Parliament. Subsequently, the Azm Alliance, led by Al-Samarrai, issued a statement announcing his candidacy for the position independently of the National Political Council, denying any withdrawal of his nomination.