Iraq's speaker reelected with backing of Muqtada al-Sadr
Mohammed al-Halbusi is Iraq's speaker of parliament for a second term despite opposition from Shiite parties aligned with Iran.
BAGHDAD — The first session of Iraq's new parliament was held on Jan. 9. In that session, new parliament members voted that Mohammed al-Halbusi will serve a second term as speaker of the Iraqi parliament.
From the start of the day, different party members showed their strengths via different methods.
Independent members representing the Tishreen protest movement made their way to parliament in tuk-tuks. The three-wheeled vehicle became a symbol of the protesters during the 2019 October demonstrations, eventually representing the entire Tishreen movement.
Sunni members from both rival groups, the Taqaddom Alliance and the Azm Alliance, gathered around for a photo op before the start of the session. Kurds and other minority members wore traditional clothing to the session.
