Shafaq News-
Babil
Thousands of Iraqis on Saturday took to the streets inAl-Hillah, the capital of Babil province, calling for former MP AmirAl-Maamouri to be appointed as the province’s next governor.
The demonstration, organized by the Jamahir Babil (BabilPeople) group, rejected the influence of partisan quotas in the selectionprocess and demanded a leader with popular support.
The protests follow a wave of demonstrations in recent days,with some supporting Al-Maamouri, who also has the backing of the IshraqatKanoun Bloc, while others supported former MP Ali Turki Al-Jamali, a candidateof the Sadiqoon Movement, the political wing of Asaib Ahl Al-Haq led by QaisAl-Khazaali.
Babil’s Provincial Council failed on January 10 to convene ascheduled session to elect a new governor due to the absence of a legal quorum. The Sadiqoon Movement in the province, which includes former governor AdnanFayhan, accused opponents of blocking the nomination process, warning of a potentialresponse.
The State of Law Coalition, led by former Prime MinisterNouri Al-Maliki, is also competing with Asaib Ahl al-Haq for control of thegovernor’s post.