In a speech during the session, Al Halbousi said that 18 candidates had initially been nominated for the presidency, while two withdrew, Asso Faraidoon Ali and incumbent President Abdul Latif Rashid, reducing the number of candidates to 16, News.Az reports, citing foreign media.
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President Abdul Latif Rashid earlier announced his withdrawal from seeking a second term, stating in a statement that he did not wish for his candidacy to contribute to further political polarization or weaken national unity.
Iraq exceeded its constitutional deadline by around 70 days, while 148 days have passed without the formation of a new government since the parliamentary elections in November 2025.
