Shafaq News– BaghdadThe Shiite Coordination Framework (CF), Iraq's largest parliamentary bloc, is set to decideits candidate for the next Prime Minister after caretaker PM Mohammed ShiaAl-Sudani withdrew from the race for a second term.A source informed Shafaq News on Sunday that duringthe CF’s recent meeting, Al-Sudani outlined the reasons for his withdrawal,stressing that Iraq’s national interest outweighs personal or party ambitions.Following his departure, the Islamic Dawa Party pressed the Framework tosupport its leader and head of the State of Law Coalition, former PM NouriAl-Maliki.Most leaders within the Framework have ralliedbehind Al-Maliki, the source added, except Ammar Al-Hakim, leader of theNational Wisdom (Al-Hikma) Movement, who sought guidance from Iraq’s top Shiitereligious authority, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. The Najaf-based Marja’iya,however, chose not to intervene, leaving Al-Maliki as the frontrunner.‘’The Framework plans another meeting tomorrowevening to finalize its candidate,’’ the source added, noting that if noobjections arise, Al-Maliki’s nomination is expected to move forward.Negotiations over the premiership have been ongoingsince the November 2025 election results were ratified. Government formationhas stalled for months, though Najaf’s Friday preacher Sadr Al-Din Al-Qubanjidismissed any claims of division within the Framework on the matter.Under Iraq’s post-2003 power-sharing system, thepresidency is reserved for a Kurd, the premiership for a Shiite, and thespeakership for a Sunni Arab.: Five contenders eye Iraq's top post: PM selection looms