Iraq Leadership Contest escalated on Saturday after the Islamic Dawa Party officially named its secretary-general, Nouri al-Maliki, as its candidate for Iraq’s next prime minister. The announcement marked a major shift in the post-election landscape and pushed the party directly into the competition for the country’s top executive position. Iraq Leadership Contest now shapes every major political meeting across Baghdad.
The party released a brief statement confirming the decision. It said the Shura Council unanimously selected Maliki as its nominee. The council described the selection as a unified step toward securing greater influence in the upcoming negotiations. The statement also highlighted the party’s desire for a strong leadership role during this new phase.
Maliki previously served as prime minister from 2006 to 2014. He secured a second term in 2010. However, he later stepped down in 2014 after widespread pressure. Iraq faced a major security crisis that year when ISIS captured Mosul. Political actors demanded new leadership, and Maliki eventually left office.
During an interview with Shams TV, Maliki discussed the government formation process. He said political consensus will guide the formation of the next cabinet. He also predicted that leaders could form a government within one month after the final certification of results. Additionally, he noted that the Coordination Framework set specific conditions for selecting the next prime minister.
Moreover, the Independent High Electoral Commission released the final results of the November 11 parliamentary elections on Monday. The commission confirmed turnout above 56 percent. It also published the distribution of all 329 parliamentary seats across Iraq’s 18 governorates. These numbers created new tensions and shifted alliances among major blocs.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition won 46 seats. Maliki’s State of Law Coalition followed with 29 seats. This outcome increased competition between the two leaders. Both now seek broader support to strengthen their positions in the next stage.
Al-Sudani also announced his intention to seek a second term. He addressed the issue during the Middle East Peace and Security Forum in Duhok. He said the decision does not represent a personal ambition. Instead, he framed the plan as a commitment to complete his government’s current agenda. He also confirmed that the Coordination Framework will soon begin serious negotiations to form the next administration.
Political actors continue to hold intense meetings in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region. They aim to secure alliances, negotiate leadership roles, and push for stronger positions in the next cabinet. Iraq Leadership Contest therefore remains the central force driving political strategy in every major faction.
