Baghdad: Presidential candidate Advisor Salem Hawas has issued a stark warning about the potential recurrence of the “blocking third” in upcoming elections, which previously obstructed a constitutional right in 2022. The blocking third refers to a deliberate political maneuver that prevents the election of a president despite a clear constitutional mandate.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Hawas highlighted that the previous instance of the blocking third was neither addressed constitutionally nor politically, raising concerns about its possible repetition in future elections. He emphasized that political indicators suggest its potential use once again, driven by a persistent focus on power-sharing, compromises, and deals that overlook the principles of competence, citizenship, and independence.

Hawas further argued that the ongoing obstruction of the presidential election underscores a misuse of the constitutional text rather than flaws within the text itself. He stressed the need for the constitution to be implemented as the supreme authority, free from the influence of power-sharing dynamics. Without a shift in approach, the blocking third is likely to persist, perpetuating the political vacuum and producing similar outcomes in future electoral sessions.