In the Iraqi parliament today, new deputies were sworn in to strengthen the Iran-backed opposition, replacing a group loyal to powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
The group of 73 pro-Sadr deputies resigned two weeks ago after efforts to form a new government had failed to yield results for months.
Shia MP Ahmed Rubai, whose party is part of a group supported by Iran, said they are now the main force in the 329-seat parliament.
“After the resignation of pro-Sadr lawmakers, we can confirm that we are the largest group in parliament with around 130 seats, with new lawmakers sworn in,” Rubai told reporters.
Sadr’s party was the party that received the most votes in the general elections held in October. The party’s success had increased the possibility of eliminating its Iranian-backed rivals who had dominated politics in Iraq for years.
However, the political disagreement between the parties prevented the parliament from electing the president and forming a government.
Even if his withdrawal causes difficulties, he is still able to secure popular support for the populist Sadr, whose supporters fought against the US occupation forces that ousted Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Sixty-four new MPs were sworn in today, but nine were not present for unknown reasons, the Iraqi parliament’s press office said.