44 candidates apply to run for Iraq’s presidency: Parliament speaker

By Laith Aljnaidi and Lina Altawell

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi Parliament Speaker Haibat al-Halbousi said Monday that 44 candidates have applied to run for the country’s presidency.

“The number of candidates for the position of president has reached 44,” Halbousi said in statements carried by the state news agency INA.

He added that the nomination window will close later Monday.

Iraq held parliamentary elections on Nov. 11, the sixth vote since the 2003 US invasion.

Members of parliament are responsible for electing the president and granting confidence to the government.

Traditionally, Iraq’s power-sharing system among dominant political forces allocates the post of prime minister to a Shiite, the presidency to a Kurd, and the speakership of parliament to a Sunni.