Confidence vote first of many challenges ahead of Iraq's PM designate
Iraq's designated Prime Minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi will face off against multiple challenges as political disputes over nominations to his Cabinet have already formed.
Iraq's designated Prime Minister Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi announced Feb. 26 that the Iraqi parliament will vote to approve his Cabinet Feb. 27, saying the government will consist of independent, efficient and impartial ministers.
"Tomorrow, together — as people, as representatives, as candidates and as national political forces — we will turn the page on the quota system and look forward to a free, strong and proud Iraq," he tweeted, referring to the system implemented in 2004 that distributes political power on a sectarian basis.
Allawi had complained Feb. 24 that he was facing pressure from different political parties regarding his Cabinet selections.
Both Kurdish parties have expressed their objections to Allawi's Cabinet, threatening to boycott the session during which the Cabinet will be voted on. Some Sunni parties, such as the Iraqi Forces Alliance, also threatened to boycott the vote. Those objecting want to have their own members represented in Allawi's Cabinet. This is while Allawi is under pressure from protesters to form a nonpartisan Cabinet.
