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Iraq Delays Presidential Election Amid Ongoing Political Negotiations

1/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Iraq's parliament postponed the presidential election after only 85 lawmakers attended, far short of the 222 required.
The delay gives the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) more time to negotiate a candidate.
Nouri al-Maliki, the former Iraqi prime minister, was endorsed for the premiership by the Shia alliance.
Missing the January 28, 2026 presidential deadline could worsen governance.

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Story summary

Iraq's parliament postponed the presidential election after only 85 lawmakers attended, far short of the 222 required.
The delay gives the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) more time to negotiate a candidate.
Nouri al-Maliki, the former Iraqi prime minister, was endorsed for the premiership by the Shia alliance.
Missing the January 28, 2026 presidential deadline could worsen governance.