Uncertainty Looms Over Election of Speaker This Week

On October 21, the Coordination Framework (CF) held a critical meeting with PM Sudani, resulting in a call for a parliamentary session this Saturday to resolve the long-standing vacancy for Speaker of Parliament. Despite this move, the Sunni blocs remain divided, failing to reach a consensus on a single candidate.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that the CF has decided to back seasoned former Speaker Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani. This decision is driven largely by Mashhadani’s old age and lack of political ambitions, making him a non-threatening figure in an already fragile political landscape. By supporting Mashhadani, the CF aims to prevent the rise of another powerful figure like Mohammed Al-Halbousi. With parliamentary elections only a year away, the CF likely sees Mashhadani as a stabilizing choice during this crucial period.

Parliament has not yet formally announced an agenda for Saturday’s meeting, but the CF’s call makes it highly probable. The session reflects the coalition’s rejection of Halbousi’s demand to amend parliamentary bylaws to open up new nominations.