By Ali Mohamed
ERBIL, Iraq (AA) – During its first session on Monday, Iraq’s newly-elected parliament failed to elect a speaker amid ongoing disputes over which coalition commands the largest bloc in the assembly.
According to Iraq’s constitution, the majority bloc in parliament will have the right to draw up the country’s incoming government.
Attended by 297 out of 329 MPs, Monday’s session saw fierce disagreements between the Al-Bina and Reform and Construction coalitions, both of which claimed to have attained a majority bloc.
Mohamed Ali Zeini — who, as the eldest lawmaker, currently serves as interim speaker — adjourned the session until Tuesday, when it is hoped that a permanent speaker, along with two deputies, can be elected.
Among the most prominent nominees for the post of parliament speaker is Osama al-Nujaifi, a prominent Sunni politician.
According to results of Iraq’s May 12 parliamentary polls, Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoon Coalition won 54 seats, followed by a Hashd al-Shaabi-led coalition (47 seats) and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's Victory Bloc (42 seats).
Within 30 days of the first parliamentary session, the assembly will elect — by a two-thirds majority — the country’s next president.
The president will then task the largest parliamentary bloc with drawing up a government, which must be referred back to parliament for approval.
