Sunni Leaders Announce Formation of 'National Political Council' Ahead of Iraqi Government Formation
Peregraf- The heads of the winning Sunni alliances in the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections announced the formation of the "National Political Council" on Sunday, November 23, establishing a unified umbrella to coordinate positions ahead of Iraqi government formation talks.
The announcement followed a pivotal meeting held at the residence of Siyada Alliance leader Khamis al-Khanjar in Baghdad. The gathering included leaders from the Taqaddum Party, Azm Alliance, Siyada Alliance, Al-Hasm National Alliance, and the Jamaheer Party.
Formation of a Unified Council
In a joint statement issued following the deliberations, the leaders declared the establishment of the National Political Council. The new body is designed to serve as a "comprehensive umbrella" for the Sunni forces, tasked with coordinating positions, unifying visions and decisions regarding major national files, and enhancing joint action among leaderships to serve the public interest.
"Driven by national responsibility and sensing the magnitude of challenges facing the country at this critical juncture... the assembled leaders discussed various political developments and assessed the nature of challenges facing the country in general and their governorates in particular," the council said in its statement.
The attendees agreed that the Council would hold regular meetings throughout the entirety of the sixth parliamentary term. They emphasized the importance of working with a shared vision to maintain political and social stability, guarantee constitutional rights, and enhance representation in state institutions.
Openness to Partners
The statement further confirmed that the National Political Council would remain "open to all national partners." It reiterated a commitment to fundamental principles safeguarding Iraq's unity and stability, aiming to build a "strong, just state that accommodates everyone."
Earlier in the day, photos released by al-Khanjar’s office showed the participation of key leaders, including Taqaddum head Mohammed al-Halbousi, Azm leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, and Al-Hasm chief Thabit al-Abbasi, alongside al-Khanjar.
Speaking at a press conference immediately following the meeting, al-Khanjar stated, "The Sunni blocs that won the elections met today, and we have begun a serious and genuine dialogue to set a roadmap aimed at accelerating the selection of the three presidencies."
Sunday’s gathering was held in response to an invitation al-Khanjar issued on Saturday via the X platform, in which he called on leaders of the winning Sunni alliances to meet. Mohammed Abbas al-Taie, spokesperson for the Siyada Alliance, noted earlier that the prevailing view is to negotiate with other political forces — including the Kurdistan Region — through a single Sunni delegation rather than multiple delegations.
The leaders concluded by calling on their supporters to back this "responsible national step" aimed at achieving their aspirations and moving toward a new phase of stability and construction.