Iraq’s dominant Shiite political bloc, the Coordination Framework, announced that it has nominated former prime minister Nouri al‑Maliki as its candidate to head the next government, after the alliance emerged as the largest force in parliament, national news agency INA reported on January 24.

Al-Maliki, 75, served two consecutive terms as prime minister from 2006 to 2014. He later served as vice-president from 2014 to 2018, and is currently the secretary-general of the Islamic Dawa Party and the leader of the State of Law coalition.

 Al-Maliki’s previous tenure was marked by sectarian strife, the US troop withdrawal, and the 2014 Islamic State takeover of large parts of Iraq, which led to his exit from office.

Despite this, he has remained a powerful behind-the-scenes figure through his leadership of the State of Law coalition and close ties to Iran-backed factions, though accusations of deepening divisions and failing to contain IS have resurfaced with his renewed bid for the premiership.

The alliance said in a public statement that “after an in-depth and extensive discussion, the Coordination Framework decided by majority to nominate Nouri Kamel al-Maliki for the post of prime minister, as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, based on his political and administrative experience and his role in running the state.”

The bloc said it remains “fully committed to the constitutional process” and will work with all national forces to form “a strong and effective government capable of confronting challenges, delivering services and safeguarding Iraq’s security and unity.”

The Coordination Framework also called on parliament to convene its session to elect a president in line with constitutional timelines. Under Iraq’s post-2005 power-sharing arrangement, the prime minister is a Shiite, the president a Kurd and the speaker of parliament a Sunni.

Following the parliamentary elections held on November 11, the Coordination Framework declared itself the largest bloc with 175 lawmakers, more than half of the 329-seat legislature, and moved to select a prime ministerial nominee. In late December, parliament elected Sunni politician Mohammed al-Halbousi as speaker.

Under the constitution, parliament must elect a president within 30 days of its first session, after which the president is required to task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government within 15 days.