Baghdad’s parliament made history on April 11 by electing Nizar Al-Amidi, a prominent Kurdish politician and ex-Environment Minister, as Iraq’s ninth president since the fall of Saddam Hussein. The vote, which drew widespread attention, resolved months of deadlock in the presidency race.
With 227 votes in the decisive second round, Al-Amidi triumphed over his closest challenger, Muthanna Amin. The gathering exceeded the mandatory 220-lawmaker quorum, with around 250 of 329 MPs present for the televised proceedings. Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi confirmed the results, prompting Al-Amidi to swear in immediately.
In the first round, Al-Amidi’s 208 votes fell short of the two-thirds threshold, setting up the runoff. Competitors Amin and Fuad Hussein trailed far behind with 17 and 16 votes, respectively.
European Council chief Antonio Costa hailed the outcome on social media, congratulating Al-Amidi and underscoring the urgency of stable governance. ‘This should open the path to government formation. Robust institutions are vital for facing challenges and preserving progress,’ he posted, pledging continued EU backing for Iraq’s unity and stability.
A veteran figure in Iraqi politics, Al-Amidi previously advised former presidents and led the Environment Ministry until earlier this year. His PUK affiliation strengthens Kurdish representation in the presidency, a role largely ceremonial but symbolically crucial.
This development could accelerate cabinet formation, vital for tackling Iraq’s economic woes, security threats, and reconstruction needs. Analysts see it as a beacon of hope for political normalization, though challenges like factional rivalries persist. The EU’s endorsement highlights growing international optimism for Iraq’s democratic processes.
