BAGHDAD, Iraq: Iraq’s parliament on Saturday elected Nizar Amedi as the country’s new president, ending months of political deadlock following parliamentary elections held in November.
Amedi, 58, secured 227 votes in a second round of voting, defeating independent candidate Muthanna Amin Nader, who received 15 votes, according to parliamentary results.
The election paves the way for the formation of a new government after nearly 150 days of political uncertainty.
Iraq is now expected to move to the next stage of appointing a prime minister, a process seen as more politically sensitive.
Under Iraq’s constitution, the president must task the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government within 15 days.
The prime minister-designate then has 30 days to form a cabinet.
Attention has now turned to the nomination of a prime minister, a position that holds significant executive authority in Iraq’s political system.
An alliance of political parties known as the Coordination Framework, which holds a parliamentary majority, has nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki for the role.
The potential return of Maliki has raised concerns in Washington.
US President Donald Trump had earlier warned that the United States could withdraw support for Iraq if Maliki is designated to form a government.
Amedi, nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), has previously served as environment minister and headed the party’s political office in Baghdad since 2024.
Speaking to parliament after his election, Amedi acknowledged the challenges facing the country.
“I am fully aware of the scale of challenges facing our country,” he said, pledging to work with all branches of government and reaffirming his commitment to the principle of “Iraq First”.
