The political economy of Ali Al-Zaidi’s nomination as prime minister

The designation of Ali Al-Zaidi as prime minister marks a departure from established patterns of elite bargaining, but not from the underlying logic that governs them. While the choice initially appeared strange, particularly given Zaidi’s lack of formal political experience, it is better understood as a calculated outcome of converging interests within the Coordination Framework.

The decision was notable for the degree of consensus it generated. Zaidi secured the backing of nine of the twelve Coordination Framework figureheads. Only Haider Al-Abadi and Humam Hamoudi objected to the nomination, with Abu Alaa Al-Walai also withholding his support, possibly as a face-saving measure in light of recent US objections to his participation in the meetings. This suggests that Zaidi’s candidacy was not simply a fallback option, but one that had been discreetly socialized within elite networks prior to its public emergence.