Shia Leadership Rift drives new tensions inside the Coordination Framework as parties debate Iraq’s next prime minister. The debate grows louder as caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani seeks a second term. However, several influential factions push back and demand an alternative nominee. The rivalry intensifies as negotiations continue across Baghdad.
State of Law figure Alaa al-Hadadi spoke to Shafaq News and clarified the internal dynamics. He said several groups oppose a new term for al-Sudani. These include Asaib Ahl al-Haq, Huqooq, Khadamat, State of Law, and Sadiqoon. He stressed that these parties voice firm objections. Their resistance now reshapes the early stages of the succession debate.
Moreover, al-Hadadi explained how the Framework works. He said the alliance makes decisions through direct consultations. Members raise concerns openly around a shared table. He added that any strong objection can remove a candidate to protect political unity. He also said the alliance does not rely on seat numbers. Instead, it operates through influence, leverage, and consensus.
The internal struggle grows sharper because State of Law refuses to consider any nominee except its leader. Al-Hadadi said the coalition backs Nouri al-Maliki and no one else. He said the party presents only one name for the premiership. This stance adds further pressure on the broader Shia coalition.
Meanwhile, al-Sudani continues to pursue another term. His Reconstruction and Development Alliance won 45 seats. This result makes his bloc the strongest within the Framework. However, al-Hadadi said al-Sudani will not advance smoothly. He said internal resistance now slows his momentum and complicates his strategy.
Political sources also revealed new details about the nomination process. They said the race now shrinks from fifteen names to only two. The finalists are al-Sudani and Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri. This development raises the political stakes and narrows the battlefield for Shia leadership.
Furthermore, Iraq’s November 11 elections reshaped the parliamentary landscape. Official results show turnout exceeding 56 percent. Shia factions secured about 187 seats. Sunni groups gained 77 seats. Kurdish parties reached 56 seats. Minority communities received nine quota seats.
These results now define the new power map for the coming term. Moreover, Iraq continues to follow its long-established power-sharing system. The prime minister comes from the Shia community. Meanwhile, the parliament speaker comes from the Sunni community. Additionally, the president comes from the Kurdish community.
As discussions intensify, the Shia Leadership Rift continues to shape every negotiation. Consequently, the next prime minister will emerge from these evolving calculations. Political leaders now engage in rapid talks as Iraq prepares for a new governing cycle.
