Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani Elected Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament
On October 31, 2024, the Iraqi parliament elected Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani as its new Speaker, filling a vacancy that had persisted for nearly a year. Al-Mashhadani, a prominent Sunni politician, secured 182 votes, defeating his rival Salem Al-Issawi, who received 42 votes. The election followed the dismissal of former Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi due to his conviction for forgery. In total, 39 ballots were deemed invalid during the voting process, as reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
A Commitment to Legislative Collaboration
Upon his election, Al-Mashhadani expressed his commitment to fostering teamwork within the parliament to effectively legislate laws. His election was welcomed by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who emphasized the importance of the parliament's oversight role in complementing government functions. The parliamentary position of Speaker is traditionally held by a Sunni, while the President of the Republic is reserved for a Kurd and the Prime Minister for a Shiite, reflecting Iraq's complex political landscape.
Al-Mashhadani's Political Background
Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has been a significant figure in Iraqi politics since the 2003 political transition. He was a member of the committee that drafted Iraq's permanent constitution in 2005 and previously served as Speaker of the Iraqi Council of Representatives from 2006 until his resignation in 2008. Born in Baghdad in 1948, Al-Mashhadani graduated from the College of Medicine at the University of Baghdad in 1972 and initially served in the Iraqi army. However, he was discharged due to his opposition to the Iran-Iraq war and later faced imprisonment under Saddam Hussein's regime. His extensive experience and historical role in Iraq's political evolution position him as a key player in the country's future legislative agenda.
