Iraq's Main Shiite Alliance Endorses Nouri al-Maliki, Ensures His Return As Prime Minister

Iraq’s dominant Shiite alliance, the Coordination Framework, has nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister.

Some outlets described the move as effectively guaranteeing his return to office.

ABC News

Multiple reports say the bloc selected the 75-year-old by majority vote and cited his political and administrative experience.

They also noted that Parliament must next elect a president who will formally appoint the prime minister under the constitution.

The nomination follows internal talks after November’s election and came after caretaker prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani stepped aside.

Al-Maliki’s record and reputation are a central theme across the coverage.

Outlets repeatedly note his two earlier terms (2006–2014) and credit him with strengthening state power and cracking down on militias early on.

Al Jazeera

They also record serious criticisms, accusing him of centralizing power, stoking sectarian tensions, failing to prevent the 2014 rise of ISIS, and facing corruption allegations.

Several sources describe him as highly polarizing, and past attempts at another term failed amid those accusations.

The nomination immediately set out the constitutional next steps and exposed political splits.

“Iraq’s dominant Shiite coalition, the Coordination Framework, has nominated former two-term prime minister Nouri al‑Maliki after caretaker PM Mohammed Shia al‑Sudani withdrew, clearing the way for his candidacy”

Devdiscourse

The bloc urged parliament to convene to elect a president, by convention a Kurd, after which the president would formally appoint the premier.

Parliament has already chosen a speaker, customarily a Sunni.

Some outlets give specific timing and factional details, including a reported Jan. 28 deadline for the presidential vote.

They also note that the PUK has traditionally held the presidency, though the KDP is contesting the post.

Outlets warn the incoming government will need to manage dozens of Iran-linked armed groups that answer to their own commanders.

The United States is pressing Baghdad to dismantle or disarm those militias.

gulfnews

Several sources note broader regional dynamics, including waning Iranian influence, rising tensions with Washington, and the U.S. transfer of Islamic State detainees from northeast Syria to Iraqi detention centers.

These security and international issues are framed as immediate tests for any new prime minister.

Reactions are mixed and underline the political fault lines.

“Iraq’s dominant Shiite political bloc, the Coordination Framework, has nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate for prime minister after caretaker PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani — whose bloc won the most seats in November’s elections — stepped aside”

kdhnews

Kurdish President Masoud Barzani publicly congratulated Maliki and pledged to work with him to form a government and resolve disputes.

kdhnews

Sunni politicians are divided, with some warning against 'recycling failed leaders' and others backing Maliki.

Several sources say the nomination is likely to be contentious as parties negotiate portfolios and security responses.

They note that an official presidential vote and the subsequent appointment remain the immediate procedural hurdles.