Coordination Framework Discusses New PM Candidate, Sets Deadline to Finalize Nomination

Peregraf- The Iraqi Shiite Coordination Framework announced on Monday that it has made “significant progress” toward selecting a new prime ministerial candidate and has agreed to set a specific deadline to conclude the nomination process.

The Framework held its 253rd regular meeting this evening, December 8, 2025, at the office of Abdul Hussein Musawi, head of the National Approach Alliance.

According to the official statement, the Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani briefed members on the latest political and security developments, emphasizing the need for continued coordination among political forces to maintain stability and support the requirements of the current phase.

“The meeting witnessed notable progress in discussions on designating the new Prime Minister candidate,” the statement said. Participants reviewed the Framework’s internal deliberations as well as its talks with other national political forces. They also agreed on a clear deadline to complete the procedures for settling the nomination.

The Coordination Framework welcomed all steps that enhance cooperation among political blocs, saying that unified positions are essential to meeting present challenges and safeguarding Iraq’s supreme interests.

On November 17, the Framework formed two committees—one tasked with selecting its candidate for the premiership, and the second charged with negotiations with other parties over forming the next government.

Shi’a political coalitions won 179 seats in the November 11 parliamentary elections, making them the largest bloc empowered to form the government.

Within the Coordination Framework, Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani, head of the Construction and Development List, and Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, remain the most prominent contenders for the next prime minister.

Under Article 54 of the Iraqi Constitution, once the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court ratifies the final election results, the President must issue a Republican Decree to convene the first parliamentary session within 15 days. Parliament must then elect its Speaker, followed by the election of a new President within three days. The President then formally tasks the prime minister-designate with forming the government.

The Judicial Electoral Body finalized all appeals related to the 2025 election results on December 7 and returned the cases to the Independent High Electoral Commission. Today, the Commission forwarded the final results to the Federal Supreme Court for ratification.