Tussle between Sudani and Maliki over governor posts ends in stalemate

After weeks of maneuvering between Prime Minister Sudani and former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki, the struggle for control over the Baghdad and Wasit governorates ended in a stalemate, with both camps retaining influence over their respective posts.

In the capital, the contest centered on the removal of Governor Abdulmutalib Al-Alawi, a member of Maliki’s party who was elected in February 2024 by the Baghdad Provincial Council. Maliki’s rivals, including factions aligned with Sudani and his allies, had long sought to unseat him. On July 20, the Council voted to remove Alawi and force him into retirement, a move ratified by President Rashid on July 21. Alawi rejected the decision, calling it procedurally and legally invalid, noting the issue was not listed on the session agenda and had not been properly voted on.