As the Cuban populace endures daily hardships such as power outages and economic difficulties, Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel took to X on Monday to congratulate Nizar Amedi on his election as the President of the Republic of Iraq. He also expressed Cuba’s intent to continue fostering friendly relations between the two nations.
"I extend heartfelt congratulations to Nizar Amedi on his election as President of the Republic of Iraq, wishing him success in his high office," Díaz-Canel wrote, focusing on foreign policy while seemingly neglecting the dire situation faced by Cuban families.
Amedi, aged 58, hails from Duhok and is a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). He was elected last Saturday by the Iraqi Parliament in a second-round vote, securing 227 votes compared to just 15 for his opponent, Muthanna Amin.
Tensions Around Amedi's Election
In the initial round, Amedi garnered 208 votes, falling short of the required two-thirds majority from the 329 parliamentary members. The election was overshadowed by a boycott from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), Iraq’s predominant Kurdish political force, which cited legal violations in the election process and declared they would not recognize Amedi as a representative of the Kurdish majority.
The session was also boycotted by the State of Law Coalition, led by Nuri al-Maliki, and the Hoqud Movement.
Amedi's Political Background
Amedi boasts a substantial political career, having served as an advisor to former Iraqi presidents Fuad Masum, Barham Salih, and Jalal Talabani. He was also Iraq's Minister of Environment until October 2024 and has been the head of the PUK's Political Office in Iraq since then.
According to Iraq's Constitution, the newly elected president has 15 days to nominate the candidate from the largest parliamentary bloc to form a government, succeeding interim Prime Minister Mohamed Shia al-Sudani.
Regional Context and Diplomatic Ties
The election unfolds amid significant regional tensions, notably the conflict with Iran and the activities of pro-Iranian militias within Iraqi borders.
Cuba and Iraq have maintained diplomatic relations for over sixty years, initially established on April 5, 1960, during Abdul Karim Kassem's administration. These ties were further solidified through the Non-Aligned Movement. While both countries closed their embassies in the 2000s, they reestablished their connections in March 2015 by accrediting concurrent ambassadors.
Díaz-Canel frequently congratulates newly elected leaders with whom Cuba has diplomatic ties, as evidenced by his congratulatory messages to Gustavo Petro in Colombia and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil in 2022.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, also congratulated Amedi, emphasizing the necessity of stable and robust state institutions to address the impending significant challenges.
Insights into Iraq's Political Landscape
Who is Nizar Amedi?
Nizar Amedi is a Kurdish politician from Iraq, associated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. He has been elected as the President of Iraq, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous roles, including serving as an advisor to former Iraqi presidents.
What challenges does Amedi face as Iraq's new president?
Amedi's presidency begins amidst regional instability, including conflicts with Iran and internal divisions within Iraq. He must navigate these challenges while working to form a stable government and addressing the nation's domestic issues.