Iraqi Parliament to reconvene on Tuesday

The new Iraqi Parliament has convened for the first time on Monday, after the general elections of May 12. 

The session has been adjourned to this morning, Tuesday. At yesterday’s meeting 297 of the newly elected deputies were present out of the 329 elected. 

The new deputies were sworn in and the first session began chaired by the eldest member in Parliament. 

Two main blocs have emerged in the negotiations which proved quite difficult to nominate the next Prime Minister. 

Incumbent Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi (Nasr coalition) is leading the first bloc, while his predecessor and incumbent Vice President Nouri al-Maliki (State of Law) is leading the second. 

Incumbent Iraqi President Fuad Masum made a speech saying Iraq needs a stable government to ensure a sustainable and long-term growth. 

Parliament reconvenes today.