Iraq’s Shia parties nominated businessman Ali al-Zaidi as their prime ministerial candidate on 27 April in a surprise move that could end the five-month political impasse since last November’s parliamentary elections. Mr Zaidi has no political or government experience and now has 30 days to form a cabinet and secure broader political consensus to win a vote of confidence in parliament.
Mr Zaidi’s nomination was announced by President Nizar Amedi shortly after he was put forward by parliament’s largest bloc, the Shia Coordination Framework (SCF). The SCF had previously nominated former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, but his nomination was withdrawn after US President Donald Trump threatened sanctions over his links to Iran. (CONTINUED - 1089 WORDS)
