ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Muthanna al-Samarrai, leader of the Sunni Azm Alliance, on Monday announced his withdrawal from the race for the Iraqi parliament speakership, mere hours after he opposed his partners in the National Political Council and nominated himself for the post.

The Iraqi parliament held the inaugural session of its new term on Monday. After meeting legal quorum, Acting Speaker Amer al-Faiz opened the floor for lawmakers to nominate themselves for the legislature’s top posts.

“In accordance with the wishes of our fellow Sunni MPs to nominate Haibat al-Halbousi for the parliamentary speakership, and in compliance with the wishes of our brothers in the Coordination Framework and the political forces to support Halbousi, I announce my withdrawal, in order to support the political process and not be drawn into power-sharing under the dome of Parliament,” said Samarrai during the session, wishing the Taqadum Party lawmaker success if he were to be elected.

Taqadum Party leader Mohammed al-Halbousi expressed his gratitude for Samarrai’s decision, saying the move reflects the Azm Alliance’s commitment to unifying the political vision of the National Political Council.

“You are our brother. You are our colleague. And you are one of the leaders we take pride in. This stance will lead to increasing cooperation between us in the parliament,” Halbousi told Samarrai.

Sunni Sovereignty leader Khamis al-Khanjar also welcomed Samarrai’s withdrawal, saying the step aims to “unify the ranks in the National Political Council.”

Samarrai’s decision narrowed the field to three candidates competing for the speakership: Taqadum Party’s Haibat al-Halbousi, Sunni Sovereignty Alliance’s Salem al-Issawi, and Amer Abdul Jabbar, a lawmaker from a Shiite opposition bloc.

The National Political Council, an umbrella group of Sunni top forces, announced Halbousi as its nominee following a tense meeting on Sunday evening, attended by Samarrai. The Azm leader would later declare himself a candidate for the post, arguing that Halbousi’s selection was not through a consensus.

Samarrai accused the Council of violating its internal rules, which require unanimous agreement, while Azm officials said the matter would ultimately be decided during parliament’s first session later Monday.