The elections are taking place one year ahead of schedule following popular protests that broke out in October 2019 against the failure of successive governments to address the rising economic and political problems in the country

The Iraqi Communist Party, which was part of the leading alliance in the last elections in 2018, announced in July that it will not participate in the upcoming national elections in October due to the lack of a conducive political atmosphere

Adnan Al-Zurfi presented his proposed government to the Iraqi parliament which will debate and vote on its ratification. However, his nomination has been opposed by major Shia blocks, including the Fateh bloc and the Sairoon alliance

The decision comes a day after Mahdi’s successor and prime minister designate Mohammad Tawfiq Allawi resigned, creating a vacuum in the political leadership

The US president has also threatened Iraq with severe economic sanctions after the country’s parliament passed a resolution demanding the withdrawal of foreign forces

The resignation of prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi after two months of popular protests in Iraq has provided an opportunity to overthrow the political system created under US occupation. However, significant roadblocks remain

The latest round of protests began on October 24 as thousands of people took to the streets across the country to demand a complete overhaul of the political system

Thousands of people across Iraq are demonstrating against the government of Adel Abdul Mahdi for its failure to provide jobs, prevent corruption and improve the quality of basic services