ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement (Hikma), on Saturday deemed the institutionalization of the Coordination Framework, an alliance of Iraq’s top Shiite forces, “essential” for the country’s political development.

Hakim’s remarks came during a meeting of the movement's advisory board, in which they discussed the latest developments of the political scene in Iraq and the region, stressing the need to maintain political stability and security, and being prepared to face challenges surrounding the country.

"Institutionalization is essential for developing political action, especially since the Framework served as an important model during the past phase and played a prominent role in achieving the current stability,” Hakim said in a speech at the meeting.

The Coordination Framework, an umbrella bloc of Shiite parties, was formed in 2022, mainly to challenge Muqatada al-Sadr’s attempts at forming a national majority government.

The Framework nominated Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani for prime minister in October 2022, following the withdrawal of Sadr from the political process, and has been the main power-holder in the Iraqi government since.

Hakim's call comes as Iraq remains in the process of forming its new government, with the position of prime minister, Iraq's top executive post, set to be selected by the ruling Shiite bloc.

There has been growing hesitation within the Shiite camp in recent weeks over the nomination of Nouri al-Maliki for the role of prime minister, after his candidacy was rejected by Washington.

The Coordination Framework last week announced that it will keep Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition and Iraq’s former prime minister, as its nominee for the country’s next premier, despite US President Donald Trump’s warning that Washington will no longer help Baghdad if Maliki is elected, criticizing his “insane policies and ideologies.”

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Hakim has been one of the leaders within the Framework calling for Maliki’s nomination to be withdrawn.