The Shia alliance in Iraq has nominated former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as its candidate, a move that underscores his continued influence in the country’s political landscape. Al-Maliki’s nomination comes despite longstanding accusations that he fuelled sectarianism and failed to prevent the expansion of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) during his time in office.
Al-Maliki, who served as Prime Minister from 2006 to 2014, remains a prominent figure in Iraqi politics. His nomination by the Shia alliance, a powerful bloc that represents the country’s Shia Muslim majority, suggests that he still wields significant clout within the political system.
The decision to put forward al-Maliki as a candidate has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters of the former Prime Minister argue that he has the experience and leadership skills necessary to navigate Iraq’s complex political landscape, while critics contend that his tenure was marked by divisive policies and a failure to address the country’s security challenges.
During his time as Prime Minister, al-Maliki was accused of marginalising Sunni Muslims and strengthening the influence of Shia political factions. This, in turn, fuelled resentment among the Sunni population and contributed to the rise of ISIL, which seized control of large swathes of territory in northern and western Iraq in 2014.
Despite these criticisms, al-Maliki maintains a loyal base of supporters, particularly within the Shia community. His nomination by the Shia alliance suggests that he remains a force to be reckoned with in Iraqi politics, and that his supporters believe he can offer a viable path forward for the country.
The upcoming elections in Iraq, scheduled for October 2023, are expected to be a crucial test for the country’s political system. With al-Maliki now in the running, the race is likely to be closely watched both within Iraq and on the international stage.
As the campaign season unfolds, observers will be closely monitoring the rhetoric and policies put forward by al-Maliki and his opponents. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for the future of Iraq, as the country continues to grapple with the legacy of sectarian divisions and the threat of extremism.
