Abdul Latif Rashid elected as President of Iraq; Mohammed Shiya’a al-Sudani as a new Prime Minister

Iraq’s parliament elected Abdul Latif Rashid as the country’s new president.

Earlier today, the presidential election went to a run-off vote as Rashid (147 votes) outperformed incumbent president Barham Salih (98 votes) but failed to muster the backing of a supermajority.

The new President appointed Mr. Mohammed Shiya’a al-Sudani as a new Prime Minister, the largest bloc’s candidate for the premiership, so he can start forming the new cabinet within 30 days of his appointment.

Iraqis last voted on October 10, 2021 in an election triggered by a wave of mass protests against endemic corruption, rampant unemployment and decaying infrastructure.

The country has yet to form a new government after last year’s election, leaving caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in charge.