Iraq’s Shi’ite Alliance Names Ali Al-Zaidi As PM Nominee

In the statement made by the coalition, it was stated that the Coordination Framework, the alliance consisting of Iraq’s Shiite political blocs, nominated Ali al-Zaidi for the post of prime minister on Monday.

Iraqi President Nizar Amedi on Monday evening invited Zaidi, a candidate from the largest parliamentary bloc known as the Coordination Framework, an alliance of groups close to Iran, to form a government, Shiite lawmakers told Reuters.

Zaidi is an Iraqi multimillionaire in his 40s with interests that span a variety of sectors, including banking and the provision of Iraq’s vast government food basket program that serves millions of people.

According to the Iraqi constitution, Zaidi now has 30 days to form a cabinet and submit it to parliament for approval.

Under a power-sharing system designed to prevent sectarian conflict, Iraq’s president is a Kurd, its prime minister is a Shiite, and its parliamentary speaker is a Sunni.