Baghdad: Head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, affirmed on Saturday his commitment to upholding the will of the Iraqi people and their constitutional right to choose their political system and leadership, stressing that this right will not be compromised under any circumstances.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in response to journalists’ questions via the media communication platform on the official website of his media office regarding the nomination of the largest parliamentary bloc’s candidate to form the government, al-Maliki said that Iraq’s political and democratic process was born out of a difficult and violent transition, marked by great sacrifices and the blood of martyrs, until the principles of democracy and the peaceful transfer of power were firmly established at both federal and provincial levels.

He added that this achievement is a source of pride and must be safeguarded, praising the Iraqi people and political forces for their persistence in protecting freedom and democracy.

Al-Maliki noted that the outcomes of successful elections demonstrate the Iraqi people’s and state institutions’ growing understanding of democracy, freedom, and political partnership, emphasizing that this achievement will not be abandoned and that the Iraqi people’s right to choose competent leaders they trust will remain protected.

He stressed respect for Iraq’s national will and independent decision-making, expressing hope that others would respect this decision just as Iraq respects the choices of other nations in managing their internal affairs, affirming that the selection of Iraq’s government and leadership is a sovereign national matter.

Al-Maliki concluded by stating that Iraq seeks to establish balanced political, economic, and security relations with all regional and major international powers, particularly those that have cooperated with Iraq or will do so in the future, based on partnership and mutual interests, free from interference or negative relations, reiterating his firm commitment to adhering to the will of the people.