Krayim's withdrawal from speaker race leaves Eisawi in pole position

Salim Al-Eisawi's chances of being elected as speaker of parliament have significantly improved following Shalan Al-Krayim's decision this week to withdraw his candidacy.

Krayim announced that he would no longer be in the running for the speakership without giving a reason for his decision. After months of deadlock, Krayim's withdrawal leaves just two primary candidates, Salim Al-Eisawi and Mahmoud Al-Mashadani.

Krayim garnered the most votes during the January ballot but failed to secure a majority. His candidacy then faltered after a video surfaced showing him praising Saddam and the Baath Party, making it difficult for Shia parties to support him in a second-round vote. The second-round vote then collapsed due to disagreements erupting in the chamber over parliamentary procedures.