Iraqi politicians can ‘apply online’ for candidacy in new government

The office of Iraqi Prime Minister-designate Adel Abdul Mehdi opened the doors for politicians to “apply online” with their application to become members of the new cabinet and for senior positions.

In a statement, the office said Iraqi citizens from both sexes who think they are qualified and fulfill the constitutions and laws, can submit their CVs online to apply to ministries and other posts.

Abdul Mehdi office further said that whoever finds himself or herself competent and is willing to be nominated for a ministerial post can do so between October, 9 till October, 11, through the website which was created for that purpose.

According to the Iraqi constitution, the prime minister designate has 30 days following joining office to form his new cabinet before presenting it in front the parliament for approval.

Political analyst Ahmed al-Dulaimi, Said to Al Arabiya English that this step provide hopes among the Iraqis as it closes doors in front favoritism and “the sale and purchase of positions and ministers,” according to al-Dulaimi.

The statement also stated that the “The Prime Minister-designate’ consultation with all the relevant parties was related to the government formation, including the head of parliamentary blocs,” the statement said.

“Abdul Mahdi apologizes for not receiving guests and meeting with the leaders of the political parties and foreign diplomatic missions except for the very special cases,” it added.

On October, 2, newly-elected Iraqi President Barham Salih designated Abdul Mehdi to form the country’s new government following an agreement between the most significant parliamentary blocs.

Abdul Mehdi served as Minister of Oil in Haidar al-Abadi’s cabinet but resigned in 2016 after two years in office. He was also Iraqi Vice-President between 2005 and 2011.