Baghdad: Head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, affirmed that the next Prime Minister must be independent so that he belongs to all Iraqis, not to a specific faction. In a press interview with Shams TV, al-Maliki highlighted several challenges facing Iraq, including the importance of an independent leadership to ensure national unity and stability.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, al-Maliki noted the insistence from the political class on holding elections as scheduled, despite internal and external attempts to delay the Iraqi parliamentary elections. He attributed the high voter turnout to a public sentiment that boycotting the elections would undermine the political process. Al-Maliki also criticized the Iraqi election law, pointing out its weaknesses, particularly the quota system, and mentioned ongoing demands for its revision.

Al-Maliki addressed the country’s social challenges, asserting that Iraq’s stability depends on the stability of each region. He dismissed claims of Sunni m
arginalization, labeling proponents of this idea as defeated. He acknowledged the heavy price paid by Kurds due to the Ba’ath Party regime’s policies and noted that Shiites in Iraq face similar injustices, including historical events like the Anfal campaign.

On issues concerning the Kurdistan Region, al-Maliki emphasized the need for legislative solutions rather than temporary agreements to resolve disputes with the central government. He mentioned plans to visit Erbil to address these complexities following the elections. Regarding government formation, al-Maliki stressed the necessity of consensus and urged the Kurds and Sunnis to expedite the selection of key parliamentary positions.

He highlighted the willingness of armed factions to integrate into the state framework and relinquish heavy weapons, while noting that the next prime minister will encounter significant challenges, primarily the financial crisis. Addressing the criteria for prime ministerial candidates, al-Maliki clarified that the coordinat
ion framework had not decided to exclude Sudani from consideration.

Al-Maliki also commented on regional developments, indicating that recent events and conflicts prompted a reassessment of Iraq’s positions. He emphasized Iraq’s intention to mediate rather than engage in confrontations between Iran and America, and reiterated that Iraq would not participate in the Abraham Accords or any security agreements with Israel.