Iraq’s new President takes office, vows to bring parties closer

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Iraq's newly-elected President Abdul Latif Rashid promised on his first day in office that he would support efforts to quickly form a strong new government.

During his inauguration at the presidential palace in Baghdad, Rashid stated: "The Iraqi people expect a new government to be formed rapidly, and that it be efficient and united." 

"I will do everything I can to bring political forces closer and sponsor a dialogue," he  said, also vowing to work toward "solid and balanced relations with neighboring countries and the international community".

"As we embark on our missions, we remember the sacrifices of our security forces, including our army, Popular Mobilization Forces, and the Peshmerga," he said, promising to do everything in his power to resolve the issues between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad.

Abdul Latif Rashid was elected President on Thursday, winning 162 votes in the second round of elections, as he ran against Barham Salih, whom he received 157 votes against in the first round, with Salih garnering 99 votes.

Iraqi President-elect Abdul Latif Rashid charged Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani with forming a new government. Al-Sudani said he promises to present the cabinet formation as soon as possible and to lead a strong government capable of building the country and serving its people.

Iraq had held early legislative elections on October 10, 2021, after which Iraqi parties failed to reach an agreement on electing a new president of the republic and naming a new prime minister.

The Iraqi Coordination Framework's nomination of Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani was a spark that ignited tensions between the framework and the Sadrist movement. The latter's supporters staged a sit-in in front of Parliament for about a month, but the coordination framework did not back down from its candidate and insisted on the formation of a government with full powers while Al-Sadr demanded the dissolution of Parliament and early elections.