Haider al-Abadi: I Am Not Seeking Another Term as Prime Minister

Haider al-Abadi, the Prime Minister of Iraq, stated on Thursday, September 13, that he is not seeking another term and does not insist on remaining in power. Reports indicate that al-Abadi told reporters in Basra, "I do not want a second term as Prime Minister. The transfer of power will be done peacefully." Following the deaths of at least 12 protesters and the burning of many government buildings in Basra, criticism of al-Abadi has intensified, with several Iraqi parliament members calling for his resignation. In recent days, Basra has witnessed deadly protests against financial corruption and the central government's negligence. Ayatollah Sistani, a key Shia cleric in Iraq, also implicitly stated in a statement that he opposes al-Abadi continuing as Prime Minister. Ayatollah Sistani outlined the economic and political challenges in Iraq, stating that the next Prime Minister should not be among those who have previously held power. On Thursday, al-Abadi expressed his "respect" for Ayatollah Sistani's views on Iraq's political issues. Negotiations for forming a new Iraqi government are ongoing. In the May parliamentary elections, the list supported by Muqtada al-Sadr, a Shia cleric, won 54 seats, leading over other factions. In this election, the 'Fatah' coalition led by Hadi al-Amiri, linked to the Hashd al-Shaabi militias, secured 48 seats, the 'Victory' coalition led by Haider al-Abadi obtained 42 seats, and the 'State of Law' coalition led by Nouri al-Maliki gained 25 seats. Haider al-Abadi was elected Prime Minister by the Iraqi parliament in 2014 when the Islamic State group was advancing in western Iraq.