2021–2022 Iraqi political crisis
| 2021–2022 Iraqi political crisis | |
|---|---|
| Date |
|
| Location | |
| Caused by |
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| Status | Ongoing |
| Lead figures | |
Since the parliamentary election in October 2021, there has been a political crisis in Iraq, with members of the Council of Representatives of Iraq being unable to form a stable coalition government, or elect a new President.[1] For 8 months the national political system has been in a political deadlock.[2]
Events
Violent clashes in Baghdad following the election and the attempted assassination of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi began the crisis.[3] On 18 November Muqtada al-Sadr said he would like to form a majority government.[4]
On 9 January, the newly elected parliament met for the first time in the Green Zone to elect the parliament speaker and two deputies. After a chaotic first parliamentary session which resulted in senior interim parliament speaker Mahmoud al-Mashahadani falling ill and being taken to hospital.[5] However, after that Sunni lawmaker and current parliament speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi was re-elected for a second term,[6] with Shakhawan Abdulla, from the Kurdistan Democratic Party and Hakim al-Zamili, from the Sadrist Movement.[7] The Kurdistan Democratic Party, Sadrist Movement and Progress Party (Iraq) succeeded in fulfilling all three positions due to the candidates of each bloc voting for each other.[7] This resulted in the Shiite Pro-Iran factions in parliament disregard the outcome and claim they have 88 seats,[8] and more than the Sadrist Movement. Parliament was then temporarily suspended but later was able to resume again after a review by the Iraqi Supreme Court.[9]
According to the Constitution of Iraq a president must be selected within 30 days after the election of the parliament speaker.[10] Incumbent President Barham Salih was chosen by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan to run for a potential second term as president, while the Kurdistan Democratic Party selected former foreign minister Hoshyar Zebari to run for the post, a second attempt for the presidency for the Kurdistan Democratic Party.[10]
As of May 2022, no government has been formed and no president has been appointed by parliament.[11] On 13 June 2022, 73 MPs from al-Sadr's bloc resigned from parliament.[12][13] On 23 June, the Council of Representatives swore in 73 new members in their place.[14]
On 17 July, secret recordings were leaked of Nouri al-Maliki, the former Prime Minister, in which he was criticising al-Sadr. This was reported to have been controversial and a factor in deepening the crisis.[15]
On 25 July, the framework nominated former minister and governor of Maysan province Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani as prime minister. [16]
On 27 July, angry about the influence of Iran in Iraqi domestic governance, followers of al-Sadr breached the Green Zone and the Iraqi Parliament in Baghdad. After a public message by al-Sadr to "pray and go home," the crowd dispersed.[17] Thousands of supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr have been camping in the parliament building since July 27.[18]
References
- ^ "Iraqi PM stresses inciting violence and chaos unacceptable". Iraqi News. 14 June 2022. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "Iraqi MPs from Muqtada al-Sadr's bloc resign". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
- ^ "Iraq ministry: Scores injured in rally over election results". WTOP News. 5 November 2021. Archived from the original on 31 May 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
- ^ Staff writer (18 November 2021). "Sadr calls for majority government, 'liquidation' of Iraqi militias". Al-Monitor. Archived from the original on 18 November 2021. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ Staff writer (9 January 2022). "Iraq parliament holds first session, elects speaker". devdiscourse.com. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- ^ "Halbousi re-elected speaker of parliament during chaotic first session". Rudaw. 9 January 2022. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
- ^ a b "KDP puts forth candidate for deputy parliament speaker". Rudaw. 10 January 2022. Archived from the original on 9 January 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
- ^ "Shiite factions disregard outcome of Iraqi parliament's first session". Rudaw. 11 January 2022. Archived from the original on 11 January 2022. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
- ^ "Iraq's top court to review cases against first parliamentary session on Wednesday". 16 January 2022. Archived from the original on 5 February 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Battle opens for presidency in Iraq". 2 February 2022. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
- ^ Iraq fails to form government seven months after elections, archived from the original on 13 June 2022, retrieved 29 May 2022
- ^ "Iraqi leaders vow to move ahead after dozens quit parliament". The Independent. 13 June 2022. Archived from the original on 13 June 2022. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
- ^ "War-scarred Iraq sinks deeper into political crisis". Agence France-Presse. 14 June 2022. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
- ^ "Iraq Parliament Swears in New Members After Walkout of 73". Archived from the original on 1 July 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
- ^ "Secret recordings deepen political crisis in Iraq". France 24. 16 July 2022. Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
- ^ "Coordination Framework nominate Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani as candidate for Iraqi prime minister". PUK media. 25 July 2022. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
- ^ "Iraqi protesters storm the parliament in Baghdad's Green Zone". www.aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 27 July 2022. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
- ^ "Hundreds of protesters camp at Iraq parliament for a second day". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
