Sunni parties form umbrella group as speakership race intensifies

The leading Sunni parties have announced the formation of an umbrella group that appears to mimic the Shia Coordination Framework in an effort to reach an agreement over the next speaker of parliament.

On Sunday, the five main Sunni blocs unveiled the National Political Council, composed of Mohammed Al-Halbusi’s Taqaddum Party, Khamis Al-Khanjar’s Siyada, Muthana Al-Samarraie’s Azm, Thabit Al-Abbasi’s Hasm, and Ahmed Al-Jubouri’s Jamahir. The announcement followed a meeting at Khanjar’s residence, after which the leaders held a joint press conference.