Haybat al-Halbousi was elected speaker of the Council of Representatives of Iraq on Monday, marking the first session of the newly elected parliament and a crucial step toward forming a new government after months of political uncertainty. According to Iraqi media, the parliament's media office reported that al-Halbousi, representing the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, secured 208 votes, surpassing his two rivals who received 66 and nine votes, respectively.

Al-Halbousi's party primarily draws support from Sunni communities in the western and northern regions of Iraq. The election of the speaker was eagerly anticipated by Iraqis, who view it as the initial move towards establishing a stable government.

The Council of Representatives, Iraq's parliament, is tasked with electing the President of Iraq, who in turn will nominate a Prime Minister. The Prime Minister then forms a cabinet that must be approved by the parliament. This process follows parliamentary elections held several months prior, which resulted in a fragmented political landscape.

The selection of al-Halbousi as speaker is seen by some analysts as a continuation of the existing political order, while others view it as a necessary compromise to move the government formation process forward. Concerns remain about the representation of various political factions and the potential for future political gridlock.

The next step involves the election of the President of Iraq, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks. The newly elected president will then task a nominee with forming a government, a process that could involve further negotiations and compromises among the various political blocs. The formation of a stable and inclusive government is considered vital for addressing Iraq's ongoing economic and security challenges.