Iraq’s ruling bloc still weighs next PM choices

ShafaqNews– BaghdadIraq’sCoordination Framework (CF), the Shiite alliance that recently emerged as thelargest parliamentary bloc, on Saturday signaled that talks on forming the nextgovernment and selecting a prime minister remain ongoing, amid public debateover a possible third term for former premier Nouri Al-Maliki.In astatement, Framework leaders, following a meeting at the office of MohsenAl-Mandalawi, agreed to press ahead with deliberations on government formationand the choice of a prime minister, within what they described as“constitutional timelines for the next phase.”Themeeting, the statement added, was “positive,” pointing to “importantdevelopments and advanced indicators” that it linked to political stability andthe country’s broader interests.Local mediaoutlets and social media platforms had widely circulated reports claiming theFramework had reached a consensus to nominate former PM Nouri Al-Maliki for thepost. The statement, however, refrained from addressing any specificnomination.Separately,a well-informed source told Shafaq News that caretaker PM Mohammed ShiaAl-Sudani had opted to withdraw his bid for a second term in favor ofAl-Maliki, while noting that the Framework has yet to formally finalize orpublicly confirm Al-Maliki’s nomination.: Five contenders eye Iraq's top post: PM selection looms