During a meeting on Sunday, the PUK Executive Council endorsed Salih’s candidacy for another term.

By Constitution, the head of State in Iraq must be a Kurd, the prime minister a Shiite Muslim, and the head of Parliament a Sunni Muslim.

Previously, Mohammed al-Halbousi was elected Speaker of Parliament with 200 votes and his rival, Mahmoud al-Mashhadani, with 14.

Salih’s proposal as president must be submitted to a parliamentary vote, after which he will appoint a prime minister, who will then present a draft Government, which in turn requires the approval by the Chamber.

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