BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s newly elected parliament on Monday chose Sunni Muslim lawmaker Haibat al-Halbousi as speaker during its first session, beginning a lengthy political process to form a new government after the national election held in November.
According to a parliamentary statement, Halbousi won 208 votes out of 283 lawmakers present.
The speaker is responsible for managing parliamentary sessions, settling disputes among factions and helping reach agreements in a political system shaped by sectarian divisions and shifting alliances, according to officials familiar with the process.
Under the Iraqi constitution, the opening session of parliament must include the election of a speaker and two deputy speakers.
Lawmakers are then required to select a president within 30 days.
The president will later ask the largest bloc in parliament to nominate a prime minister and form a cabinet.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s political alliance emerged as the largest bloc in the recent election, according to results announced earlier.
The incoming government is expected to face complex challenges, including balancing relations between the United States and Iran.
The presence of multiple armed groups aligned with Tehran adds another layer of difficulty to coalition talks, according to analysts cited by local media.
(With files from Reuters)
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