Kurdish politician Rashid Abdelatif Hassan Rashid, a veteran Iraqi statesman, has been elected as Iraq’s president by the Parliament, signaling a pivotal shift in the country’s political landscape. The vote comes at a moment of acute national debate and highlights the ongoing effort to stabilize the executive branch amid a period of deep factional divisions. The result was announced by Iraqi state television as the chamber moved toward a new phase in its constitutional process.
The presidency was decided in the second round of voting, with Rashid securing 162 votes out of the 329-seat Parliament. In the same session, Barham Salih, who has held the presidency since October 2018, received 99 votes, while eight ballots were declared invalid. The turnout and outcome reflect the fragile arithmetic of Iraqi politics, where forming a broad consensus remains a persistent challenge for lawmakers. The session marked the fourth plenary gathering dedicated to selecting the head of state, after three previous attempts failed to reach a majority due to the deep-seated rifts among major political blocs.
Iraq’s constitutional framework allocates the presidency as a Kurdish post in the post-Saddam era, part of a sectarian power-sharing system established in 2003 to balance the country’s diverse communities. Under this arrangement, the speaker of Parliament is expected to be Sunni Muslim, the prime minister a Shiite, and the president a Kurd. The election results underscore the ongoing negotiation of that power-sharing model in a country still navigating internal and external pressures.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi promptly extended his congratulations to Rashid, urging all political forces to cooperate and back the new president in his duties. The quick endorsement from the prime minister signals a willingness to pursue a collaborative path, though the real test will be forging a unified approach to governance amid competing allegiances and policy disagreements. (Source: Iraqi state media and subsequent briefings)
Rashid’s path to the presidency is notable for its long-standing service within Iraq’s governance structures. Previously appointed in December 2010 as a Senior Advisor within the presidency, he remained in that capacity until today’s election. This continuity suggests a depth of experience in navigating the complexities of Iraq’s federal system and the delicate balance required to lead the executive branch. His career includes a long tenure in public service spanning multiple administrations, reinforcing his reputation as a steady hand in times of political flux. (Source: official government records and contemporary coverage)
Born in 1944 in Sulaymaniyah, a major city in Iraqi Kurdistan, Rashid has been deeply involved in Kurdistan’s political scene and its relationship with the central government. He is associated with one of the two main Kurdish political forces that have played a central role in shaping the region’s governance. His educational background includes studies in England, equipping him with a broad perspective on governance and policy. Over the years, he has remained connected to the broader Kurdish political movement, balancing regional interests with national responsibilities as Iraq sought greater stability and reconciliation after years of conflict.
Rashid’s tenure as Minister of Water Resources, a position he held in the first post-Saddam government until 2010, placed him at the center of critical issues affecting Iraq’s development and public welfare. The role involved managing scarce water resources amid regional competition and climate pressures, tasks that demand pragmatic policy, technical competence, and the ability to coordinate across federal and local authorities. His leadership in this sector is often cited as an enduring facet of his public service record, contributing to his reputation as a reform-minded administrator with a track record of navigating complex bureaucratic landscapes. (Source: ministry archives and historical profiles)
As the country moves forward under a new presidency, observers will be watching how Rashid leverages his experience to address governance challenges, foster cooperation among rival blocs, and advance policy initiatives that promote stability and resilience. The presidency’s Kurdish lineage, coupled with Iraq’s broader multicultural tapestry, will continue to shape the political discourse and influence the trajectory of national policy in the months ahead. (Source: expert analyses and political commentaries)