Iraqi Parliament Member Dilan Ghafoor announced that a special legislative session will be convened to finalize the cabinet of Ali Faleh Zaidi, contingent upon political factions reaching an agreement within the next two weeks.

The Iraqi Council of Representatives has successfully approved the national work program and confirmed 14 ministers to the cabinet of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.

However, nine ministerial portfolios remain vacant following a crucial legislative vote on May 14.

Filling the remaining positions—most notably the sovereign Defense and Interior ministries—continues to hinge on achieving a comprehensive political consensus among Iraq's various political factions.

Vote Could Be Pushed Back If Factions Miss June 15 Deadline 

Speaking to Channel8, Ghafoor, the spokesperson for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) parliamentary bloc, stated that while the Council of Representatives is currently in recess until July 1, the legislative vote will likely be delayed beyond that date if political factions fail to reach a cabinet consensus by June 15.

This delay is due to the upcoming Ashura commemorations, during which political activities cease and parliamentary sessions are suspended as Shia factions focus on the religious observances.

Calls for Immediate Negotiations to Fill Nine Empty Cabinet Posts 

She emphasized that political factions must immediately initiate negotiations to finalize nominees for the nine vacant ministries, which are currently run by acting ministers.