The second constitutional deadline to choose a candidate for Iraq's premiership ends on Sunday.
The Shiite leaders formed last week a committee that includes all Shiite blocs represented in the parliament to choose one out of 31 candidates. The name of the selected figure would then be submitted to President Barham Salih.
Earlier, Salih refused to assign Basra Governor Asaad Al Eidani and assigned Mohammed Allawi who withdrew on the last day of the constitutional duration.
The constitution grants the president a 15-day duration to nominate an alternative, which ends Sunday.
A reliable source told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that the president can’t extend the duration because this isn’t allowed by the constitution, however, he has the power to name a candidate which he considers eligible.
The Shiite's committee chose three candidates whose identities weren’t disclosed. The names will be presented to the leaders to choose one of them, otherwise, they will resort to the option of choosing an academic figure.
Meanwhile, the Sunni forces don’t want to participate in choosing a prime minister, however, they hope the candidate has the ability to rescue the country from its crises.
MP of Iraqi Forces Alliance Abdullah al-Kharbit told Asharq Al-Awsat that the new prime minister should be strong and capable of facing the country’s challenges whether in politics or economy.
For his part, former MP Haidar al-Mulla said that there are no clear indications so far that the Shiite forces have agreed on specific names to be presented to the president on Monday.
Mulla added that the Shiite are not showing seriousness in dealing with this issue due to the depth of their internal disputes.
