Iraq Parliament Elects Kurdish Politician Nizar Amedi as President Iraq’s parliament has elected Nizar Amedi as the country’s new president, ending a political deadlock that had paralysed government formation. Amedi was nominated by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and secured 227 votes in a second round of voting on Saturday, comfortably defeating independent candidate Muthanna Amin Nader, who received 15 votes. The election marks the sixth time an Iraqi head of state has been chosen since the removal of Saddam Hussein in a US-led invasion in 2003. Amedi’s victory follows months of political gridlock, with rival factions unable to agree on a government structure. His selection comes amid the lingering effects of the US-Israel war on Iran, which ended in a ceasefire announced earlier this week. During the conflict, Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq launched attacks on US bases and diplomatic facilities, while US and Israeli strikes targeted these groups, resulting in casualties among Iraqi military personnel. Amedi condemned these attacks during his address to parliament, emphasizing the need for unity in the face of external threats. Speaking after the vote, Amedi acknowledged the immense challenges ahead, stating, “I am fully aware of the scale of challenges facing our country.” He pledged to work with all three branches of government and adhere to the principle of “Iraq First.” His remarks underscored the delicate balance required to navigate Iraq’s complex political landscape, where sectarian divisions and regional tensions have long shaped governance. The election also highlights the broader implications of Iraq’s power-sharing system, established after the 2003 invasion.#iraq_parliament #nizar_amedhi #patriotic_union_of_kurdistan #nouri_almaliki #iraq_president
