It seems that the meeting between al-Sadr and al-Hakim enhances the chances of them forming the largest bloc.

According to a report by Al-Hayat newspaper on May 18, “political forces entered into overlapping negotiations after the controversial election. The marathon Shiite-Shiite alliance negotiations pushed for the formation of the largest bloc before the new parliament in preparation for its mandate to form the next government. The two Shiite leaders Sadr and al- Hakim holding a meeting may lead to an alliance.”

Muqtada al-Sadr, topped the election results, followed by the rest of the Shiite lists, including Nasr, led by Prime Minister Haider Abadi, and leader of Fateh, Hadi Amiri.

The newspaper said that “Sadr has expressed his intention to ally with Prime Minister Haider Abadi to form the largest bloc.” Some in the “political circle close to Sadr…called for a second term for Abadi.”

A member of the Political Bureau of the Iraqi Communist Party, an important ally of Sa’eron, said “the stage requires a comprehensive change in how the coalition government is formed, declaring that there are many options outside the framework of Abadi,” it added.

Jassim al-Hilfi, a member of the central committee of the Iraqi Communist Party, said that Abadi had failed during his first term in managing issues of great importance.

Reporter’s code: 50101