After a year of political deadlock, the Iraqi parliament will convene on Thursday to “elect the President of the Republic,” according to a news release from speaker Mohammed al-Halbussi’s office on Tuesday.
Halbussi’s office announced that the election of the President of the Republic will be the only item on the agenda of Thursday’s parliamentary session, which will take place more than a year after the most recent general election in Iraq, according to Alarabiya news.
On October 10th, 2021, Iraqis cast ballots in an election brought about by a wave of widespread protests against systemic corruption, high unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure.
After the election last year, the nation has failed to elect a new administration, keeping Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi in power.
Rival Shia Muslim factions have been battling it out in parliament for influence and the right to choose a new leader and administration.
Both sides have established protest camps as a result of the deadlock, which has occasionally led to deadly street fighting in Baghdad.
Barham Saleh, the current President, had called for “new, early elections in conformity with a national consensus” on August 30th. He said these may offer “an exit from the stifling situation.”