BAGHDAD, April 11, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Iraqi lawmakers elected Nizar Amedi as the country's new president on Saturday, following political disputes that delayed the vote and the formation of the next government. Amedi now has 15 days to appoint a prime minister, who is expected to be former head of government Nouri al-Maliki, despite US concerns over the choice in previous weeks. By convention, a Shiite holds the powerful post of prime minister, the parliament speaker is a Sunni and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd. After Iraq's November general election, the presidential election had been set for January but was postponed twice over political disagreements. Maliki told AFP in February that he would not withdraw his nomination, while also seeking to allay Washington's concerns.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha April 11, 2026 18:10 UTC