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Shafaq News
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sudani's visit to Al-Anbar: Political and developmental messages
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani paid a visit to Al-Anbar province, in what political observers and local sources described as a gesture loaded with messages of support, balance, and national development. Al-Sudani arrived in Al-Anbar earlier on Sunday, where he met with several tribal leaders at the start of his tour. Although not part of an official government agenda, the visit was closely watched by political actors in the province. Sources from Al-Anbar told Shafaq News that the visit had been planned for over a month but was postponed due to a prior trip by a senior figure within the Coordination Framework, the leader of the Wisdom Movement (Al-HiKma) Ammar al-Hakim. The delay aimed to avoid framing the prime minister's visit as politically or electorally motivated. One source stated that the meeting with tribal sheikhs was intended as a 'friendly and direct' interaction, signaling support for local efforts to maintain stability and prevent Al-Anbar from becoming aligned with any single political faction. 'This is about preserving balance—particularly ahead of elections on November,' the source noted. Separately, a member of Al-Anbar's Provincial Council told Shafaq News that the visit did not adhere to formal institutional procedures. 'The provincial flag was not raised during the visit, which indicates that it was not part of coordinated efforts with the council,' the official said. Moreover, the prime minister's decision to meet with figures known for their public criticism of the local government—such as Hamid al-Hayis and Arkan al-Tarmouz—was interpreted as a sign of his intention to recalibrate political dynamics within the province. Both men have recently directed sharp criticisms and direct appeals to the prime minister regarding the performance of Al-Anbar's local administration. 'The meetings seem to align with their recent statements, and the move has sparked questions among local observers, particularly due to the exclusion of elected bodies from the visit,' the source added. Al-Sudani's visit—though unofficial—comes at a pivotal time for Al-Anbar, one of Iraq's most strategically important provinces. With 15 parliamentary seats, Al-Anbar is a Sunni-majority region that plays a key role in shaping national politics. In the 2021 elections, the Taqadum Alliance, led by former Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi, secured a dominant position with 11 seats. Notably, however, two seats were won by independents. This independent presence may offer potential avenues for cooperation, especially as the Iraqi Prime Minister has not, to date, aligned himself with any specific political alliance in the province.
Shafaq News
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq's Election Law debate: Shiite factions at odds, Sunnis and Kurds hold back
Shafaq News/ Iraq's Shiite camp is divided over proposed Election Law amendments, with some factions advocating for changes while others resist. Kurdish forces maintain a neutral stance, while Sunni leaders deem the discussion premature, contributing to the uncertainty surrounding the country's electoral process. Division Within the Shiite House A rift has surfaced within the Coordination Framework (CF,) an alliance of all Shiite political groups and factions in Iraq, excluding the Sadrist Movement, over the proposed amendment to the Election Law and the shift toward a multi-district system. According to informed sources, the debate has divided the Framework into three distinct factions: -The First Axis: Led by Ammar al-Hakim of the Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), this group opposes any changes to the current law, arguing that the existing system has already secured the majority necessary for government formation and reflects the political weight of the involved parties. It believes that amendments could jeopardize political stability, diminish genuine electoral competition, and undermine the entire electoral process. -The Second Axis: A more cautious group, this faction has yet to make a firm decision on whether to support the proposed changes. -The Third Axis: The State of Law Coalition (SLC), which advocates for the amendment, has been working to rally support from the undecided factions and has put forth a new proposal to the political forces. However, despite these efforts, clear backing for the amendments remains 'elusive,' and the nature of potential election alliances remains 'uncertain.' Recently, SLC Leader Nouri al-Maliki made his intentions clear regarding a return to a multi-district system. "Al-Maliki will send representatives to discuss proposals for amending the Election Law," our sources confirmed. Differences Do Not Equal Division Hassan Al-Janabi, a leader in the Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), clarified to Shafaq News that the differing views on amending the law within the CF should not be seen as a division. 'It's simply a difference of opinion,' he said. While some factions have called for amendments, Al-Janabi pointed out that "there is currently no genuine desire within the CF to amend the law." He also noted that Shiite national forces have neither discussed nor proposed any changes. Kurdish Forces' View No proposals or requests for changes or amendments to the Election Law have come from the Kurdish forces, according to Wafa Mohammed Karim, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). However, he acknowledged to our agency that reinstating the multi-district system could provide voters with 'greater freedom' in choosing their candidates. Sunni Coalition's Stance "It is too early to discuss amending the provisions of the Election Law," sources within the Unified Sunni Leadership Coalition told Shafaq News Agency. They emphasized that political parties have yet to agree on potential changes, and their electoral agendas remain undetermined. "In other words, the future roadmap has not yet become clear," they added. Concerns were raised over "unacceptable" attempts to shift the focus and impose new leadership to guide the electoral process. 'All parties are primarily focused on securing gains for their citizens,' they explained, noting that proposing legal amendments during Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month, is "inappropriate" due to the parliamentary slowdown that typically accompanies the holy month. Ballot Battles: Rewriting Iraq's Power Map Since 2003, Iraq's electoral laws have undergone several revisions to adapt to the country's shifting political landscape. In 2005, Election Law No. 16 established a system based on electoral quotient calculations, dividing Iraq into 18 districts. Subsequent reforms in 2010 and 2014 aimed to consolidate power among major political blocs. The 2019 protests, driven by discontent with corruption and political stagnation, spurred significant reforms, including the introduction of a multi-district system. The 2021 elections, held under the 2020 electoral law, marked a turning point, as the Shiite National Movement emerged as a dominant force, while other factions, including Nouri al-Maliki's State of Law Coalition, argued for a return to larger electoral districts. Maliki's senior adviser, Hatem al-Tai, contended that larger districts would provide a stronger mandate for major political parties. However, the election law was amended again in 2023, reverting to the pre-2019 system, with a single-district system for each province. This change, seen as an effort to curb Muqtada al-Sadr's influence, allowed Shiite Coordination Framework parties to secure key positions in the December 2023 provincial elections.
Shafaq News
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Sources: Iraq's Wisdom Movement to get key roles in Al-Sudani's government
Shafaq News/ Iraq's National Wisdom Movement (Al-Hikma), led by Ammar al-Hakim, is set to secure new senior positions in Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's government, informed sources revealed on Thursday. The sources told Shafaq News Agency, "A series of official decrees will be issued, appointing candidates from the Wisdom Movement to various positions, including Safaa al-Kinani as Chairman of the Communications and Media Commission (CMC)." The bloc will reportedly secure additional positions, ranging from deputy minister to advisor roles, which will be announced once the official decrees are signed Notably, several positions have already been allocated to candidates from the Wisdom Movement as a concession to its leader, who had boycotted meetings of the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) and the State Administration Coalition (SAC), which includes Shiite parties (CF), Sunni blocs (Taqadum and al-Siyada Alliance), and Kurdish parties (Kurdistan Democratic Party-KDP and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan-PUK). The boycott was in protest against the PM's acceptance of Ali al-Moayyed's resignation as CMC chairman, the dismissal of the Dhi Qar governor, and potential actions against the Najaf governor. In response, a closed-door meeting was held on February 6 to ease tensions, end al-Hakim's boycott, and appoint Wisdom Movement members to high-ranking positions.
Shafaq News
04-02-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim boycotts CF meetings, a sign of discontent, Source says
Shafaq News/ Tayyar Al-Hikma [The Wisdom Movment], led by Ammar Al-Hakim, has suspended its participation in the weekly meetings of the Coordination Framework, the umbrella group for Shiite political forces, to express its "discontent" over the exclusion of its representatives from government positions and local governments. A source within the Wisdom Movement revealed to Shafaq News Agency that Al-Hakim's absence from the CF's meetings reflects his frustration with how the group's leadership has treated the Movement's representatives in governmental roles, especially following the dismissal of the governors of Dhi Qar and Najaf, and "today's dismissal of the head of the Media and Communications Commission." The source also pointed out, "Al-Hakim's potential withdrawal from the CF is a personal and direct decision, and it cannot be ruled out." Earlier Tuesday, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani approved the dismissal of Ali Al-Moayyad, the head of the Media and Communications Commission, at his request, and appointed Mohammad Abdullah Abdul Amir as his replacement. A statement from the Commission indicated Al-Sudani agreed to terminate Al-Moayyad's role based on his request and appointed consultant engineer Mohammad Abdullah Abdul Amir as the new head to continue overseeing the regulation of Iraq's media and communications sector. On Tuesday, the Dhi Qar Provincial Council voted overwhelmingly to appoint Nasif Jassem Mohammed as the new mayor of Al-Fudhoul, replacing Zaki Hassoun from the Wisdom Movement. An informed source told Shafaq News that the mayorships of Nasiriyah and Al-Fudhoul are linked to the "Sumarun" bloc, led by Minister of Labor Ahmad al-Asadi, adding that "these changes are part of a political agreement between the blocs."
Shafaq News
29-01-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Hakim in Dhi Qar amid governor crisis
Shafaq News/ Ammar al-Hakim, leader of the Wisdom Movement )Tayyar Al-Hikma(, arrived Wednesday, in the city of Said Dakhil, east of Nasiriyah, the capital of Dhi Qar province. According to Shafaq News Agency's correspondent, al-Hakim arrived at the home of the recently dismissed governor of Dhi Qar, Murtada Al-Ibrahimi (a member of the Wisdom Movement). he is scheduled to hold a series of tribal meetings and meet with local elites and professionals. The correspondent also noted that the visit includes political consultations with various parties regarding the position of governor, especially after Al-Ibrahimi's dismissal by the Provincial Council a few days ago. On November 5, 2024, members of the Dhi Qar parliamentary delegation called on al-Hakim to replace Governor Al-Ibrahimi. The 19 lawmakers representing the province in the Iraqi Parliament cited "administrative chaos and poor management of public services, which led to feelings of injustice among the local population.' They demanded the replacement of Al-Ibrahimi for his "monopolization of decisions and lack of cooperation with lawmakers." On January 15, the Dhi Qar Provincial Council voted to dismiss Governor Al-Ibrahimi by a majority vote.
