ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraq’s ruling Shiite Coordination Framework will reportedly hold another meeting on Sunday to decide its nominee for prime minister, as disagreements continue over how to choose the candidate.

The Shiite bloc has already held at least seven meetings aimed at naming the candidate for the top post but has repeatedly failed in that objective. A meeting on Saturday was postponed, with initial reports claiming the bloc will reconvene on Sunday, but there has been no official confirmation in that regard.

Humam Hamoudi, head of the Abshir Ya Iraq party, said the Shiite alliance has set standards for selecting the next prime minister, including “national acceptance, commitment to the vision of the supreme authority, and achieving Iraq’s interests.”

Kolsal al-Mukhlis, rapporteur of parliament, said constitutional deadlines should be resolved quickly, especially the formation of a new government.

“Continuing delays are no longer acceptable in light of the service and economic challenges facing the country,” she told the state-owned newspaper, adding that prolonged political deadlock directly affects citizens through weaker services and delayed reconstruction and infrastructure projects.

She said forming a fully empowered government was the main step needed to address unresolved files and allow state institutions to perform effectively.

Thaer al-Kaabi, an MP from the National Approach bloc, said the Coordination Framework was passing through a sensitive stage in the political process because of continued differences among its factions. However, he said there was political will to narrow gaps and reach an agreement.

“Time has become decisive,” he said, warning that further delays could hurt trust between political forces and the public.

Mohammed Hossam al-Husseini, head of the national relations office and member of the political bureau of the National Wisdom (Hikma) Movement, said consultations were still underway and suggested no nominee would be finalized for now as discussions continue among political parties.

Iraqi president Nizar Amedi urged the Framework on Friday to present its candidate without delay, calling the nomination “a constitutional obligation” and a national responsibility.

Under Iraq’s constitution, the largest parliamentary bloc must nominate a prime minister within 15 days of the election of the president, with that deadline expiring on April 26.

The prime minister designate must then present a cabinet to parliament within 30 days.

Informed sources told The New Region that the leading contenders were Ihsan al-Awadi, Chief of Staff to incumbent Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, and Basim al-Badri, chairman of the Accountability and Justice Commission who is reportedly backed by Nouri al-Maliki.

On Thursday, the Iraqi parliament voted to extend its legislative period by an additional month to facilitate the government formation process.