BAGHDAD: Iraq’s main Shia alliance, which holds a parliamentary majority, endorsed on Saturday former prime minister and powerbroker Nouri al-Maliki as the country’s next premier.

The Coordination Framework, an alliance of Shiite factions with varying links to Iran, said in a statement that it “decided, by majority vote, to nominate” Maliki for the position “as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc”.

“After in-depth and extensive discussion, the Coordination Framework decided by majority vote to nominate Mr Maliki for the position of prime minister, as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc, based on his political and administrative experience and his role in managing the state,” the framework said.

“The Coordination Framework affirms its full commitment to the constitutional process and its keenness to work with all national forces to form a strong and effective government capable of confronting challenges, providing services, and protecting Iraq’s security and unity,” the framework said.

Published in Dawn, January 25th, 2026