Federal Supreme Court Upholds Legitimacy of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's Appointment to Form Government

The Federal Supreme Court in Iraq dismissed a lawsuit filed by MP Raed al-Maliki seeking to cancel the appointment of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to form the government, confirming the constitutionality of the procedures followed in his appointment.

The court, in a ruling issued today, rejected the lawsuit due to lack of necessary legal conditions for its acceptance, noting that the appointment was made in accordance with Article 76 of the Iraqi Constitution.

Al-Maliki, a leader of the State of Law Coalition, had filed the lawsuit earlier before the Federal Supreme Court, alleging violations in the process of appointing al-Sudani, who belongs to the Coordination Framework Alliance.

The court stated in its reasoning that the appointment of the Prime Minister was conducted according to constitutional procedures, and the submitted appeal lacks acceptable legal evidence.

"The Federal Supreme Court rejects the lawsuit for lack of legal grounds and confirms that al-Sudani's appointment was made in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution" – statement of the Federal Supreme Court.

This decision raises questions about its impact on the Iraqi political scene, especially amid ongoing disagreements among parliamentary blocs over government formation and distribution of sovereign positions.

It is noted that al-Sudani was tasked with forming the government in October last year, after months of political vacuum following the early parliamentary elections in October 2021.

The political and judicial dispute background comes as part of a series of lawsuits filed by Iraqi politicians before the Federal Supreme Court, often used as a tool for political pressure among competing blocs.

No official comment has been issued so far by al-Maliki or the State of Law Coalition regarding the court's decision, while other blocs welcomed the decision as a step toward enhancing political stability.