Baghdad’s parliament chamber echoed with applause as lawmakers chose Nizar Amidi, ex-Environment Minister, to lead Iraq as its next president in a tightly contested election.
Securing a commanding 227 votes in the runoff, Amidi was declared the victor by Speaker Hait al-Halbousi. The gathering exceeded the mandatory 220-member quorum, with around 250 parliamentarians present for this pivotal moment.
In the opening round, PUK’s Amidi dominated with 208 votes against 17 for Muthanna Amin and 16 for Fuad Hussein. The lack of a two-thirds majority triggered the second round showdown.
Amidi, who held the environment portfolio until 2024 and advised past presidents, wasted no time in swearing the oath of office. His ascension underscores Iraq’s ethno-sectarian power-sharing formula, where Kurds traditionally hold the presidency.
Post-election, the constitutional clock starts ticking: Amidi must appoint a prime minister candidate within two weeks from the biggest bloc, who then has a month to assemble a cabinet and win parliamentary approval.
Lingering from last November’s polls, this vote ends a stalemate fueled by Kurdish infighting and quorum shortfalls in prior attempts. As Iraq navigates security threats and economic woes, Amidi’s leadership could stabilize coalition-building and policy-making, fostering unity in a divided nation.
