Baghdad, Iraq – Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, affirmed that the selection of the Iraqi government and its leaders is a “national matter that must be respected.” He also stressed the necessity of upholding the Iraqi people’s right to choose their representatives through constitutional mechanisms. In press statements regarding the largest parliamentary bloc’s nomination of its candidate to form the government, al-Maliki said, “Political and democratic life in Iraq was born after a difficult and arduous process and immense sacrifices.” He emphasized that the democratic experience represents an achievement that cannot be reversed.
He added, “The selection of our government and leaders is a national matter that must be respected, just as we respect the choices of others.” He also explained that “the results of successive elections confirm that the Iraqi people and their institutions concerned with building the state have embraced the meanings of democracy, freedom, and political partnership.” Al-Maliki stressed that his coalition “will not relinquish this achievement.” He also affirmed that he “will not compromise the Iraqi people’s right to choose whomever they trust and deem competent to lead this phase.” He further stated that respecting the will of the people and their right to choose their political system and leaders through constitutional institutions “is a fundamental principle.” He indicated that the State of Law Coalition aspires to “establish balanced political, economic, and security relations with all regional and major powers.” He emphasized that this will be based on partnership and shared interests, and free from any interference or negative influence.
