Presidency of the Republic and the Restoration of Institutional Balance

Dr Adalat Abdullah

Written by Dr Adalat Abdullah, Researcher at Academic Centre for National Studies (ACNS).
Translated by Narmeen Othman Mohammad

For years, we have been reminding Iraq's influential leaders and politicians of the necessity to review the status of the Presidency of the Republic. It is essential to grant this institution broader powers, enabling it to play a more effective role within the Iraqi equation, rectify the course of the political process, and unify the nation’s energies and capabilities. This institution could demonstrate greater proficiency if empowered with enhanced sovereign executive capacities, allowing it to participate in curbing domestic crises and tensions, and resolving complex dossiers.
We have repeatedly emphasised that viewing the Presidency as a secondary institution—while centralising the vast majority of state powers within the executive and legislative branches (the Council of Representatives)—serves only to keep the arena of domestic conflict and political strife wide open. Consequently, crucial issues are settled within the framework of fragile alliances and polarisations that do not aim to protect the country's supreme interests; rather, they represent attempts to impose partisan and sectarian wills, which have historically been—and remain—a primary source of internal division and tension in relations between political forces.
Undoubtedly, the Presidency is set to undergo a series of new changes at both structural and programmatic levels. We believe that the President’s experience, coupled with his background in high-level and sensitive roles at the Al-Salam Palace and his collaboration with former presidents during the post-regime era, grants him the ability to formulate a distinct vision for managing the Presidency and further activating its role in both domestic and international affairs.
In light of the presence of two Vice Presidents and the necessity of modernising the advisory board—or relying on political and scientific experts alongside coordination with other state institutions—it is anticipated that this national sovereign institution will adopt a newer standard.
This aligns with the requirements of the current stage and the stipulations of the permanent Iraqi Constitution, fulfilling a more effective and expected role. In this regard, Iraq certainly requires a transition towards a genuine institutional state; a state committed to the provisions of the Constitution as a fundamental reference for formulating laws, decisions, positions, and initiatives that possess legitimacy and executive force. Furthermore, this institution, and His Excellency the President himself, require a renewal of perspectives and capabilities.
This involves a series of initiatives to strengthen the anticipated role as we move towards a new phase where institutional balance in the administration of the Iraqi state is restored. Therefore, we hope that this trajectory meets the expectations of the Iraqi people and that we witness a more supreme and influential role for the Presidency of the Republic.