Iraq majority bloc backs Nouri al-Maliki as next PM: statement

• Iraq's dominant Shiite alliance, the Coordination Framework, officially nominated 75-year-old Nouri al-Maliki for prime minister, signaling a potential third term for the polarizing leader
• While Maliki has the backing of the largest parliamentary bloc, his path to office still requires the election of a new President of the Republic—a post traditionally reserved for Kurds—who must then formally charge him with forming a cabinet within a 30-day window.

Iraq's main Shiite 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, said in a statement that it "decided, by majority vote, to nominate" Maliki for the position "as the candidate of the largest parliamentary bloc".

The statement spoke of Maliki's "political and administrative experience and his record in running the state".

A shrewd politician, Maliki, 75, has long been a central figure in Iraq's politics and its only two-term prime minister (2006-2014) since the US invasion of 2003, which ended decades of rule by Saddam Hussein.

Since the invasion and by convention in Iraq, a Shiite Muslim holds the powerful post of prime minister, a Sunni is parliament speaker, and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd.

After Iraq's November general election, the Coordination Framework, which includes Maliki, formed the majority bloc.

Soon after, it held heated talks to choose the next prime minister, along with other discussions with Sunni and Kurdish parties regarding other posts.

Iraq's parliament chose a speaker last month and should convene next to elect a new president, who will then appoint a prime minister to replace the incumbent Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition, remains influential in Iraqi politics despite his controversial past, including widespread accusations of corruption, stoking sectarian tensions, and failing to stop Daesh.

Hard task

Maliki has been involved in forming alliances and his name was regularly put forward as a possible candidate for the premiership.

Seen as close to Iran, Maliki also has a record of coordinating with the US on Iraqi politics, particularly during his previous terms.

In a country that has for decades been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, Maliki will likely face a daunting task as government formation has always been influenced by the two foes.

He will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad disarm Tehran-backed factions, many of which are designated terrorist groups by the US.

Iraqi officials and diplomats told AFP last month that Washington had demanded that the eventual government exclude Iran-backed armed groups and instead move to dismantle them.

But most of these groups hold seats in parliament and have seen their political and financial clout increase.