President of Iraq facts for kids
Quick facts for kids President of the Republic of Iraq |
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Coat of arms of Iraq
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| Executive branch of the Federal Government of the Republic of Iraq |
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| Style | His Excellency |
| Residence | Radwaniyah Palace, Baghdad |
| Appointer | Parliamentary vote |
| Term length | Four years,
renewable once
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| Constituting instrument | Constitution of Iraq (2005) |
| Precursor | King of Iraq |
| Formation | 14 July 1958 |
| First holder | Muhammad Najib ar-Ruba'i |
| Deputy | Vice President |
The President of the Republic of Iraq is the country's head of state. This important role is mostly symbolic. It does not hold a lot of power in Iraq. This is because of the constitution that was put in place in October 2005.
Iraq has a special way of sharing power. This means the President is usually a Kurd. Most Kurdish presidents have been from the PUK party. This is not a strict law, but it is a tradition.
On October 13, 2022, the Iraqi parliament chose Abdul Latif Rashid as the new President of Iraq.
Contents
How the President is Chosen
The Election Process
The Iraqi President is not chosen directly by the people. Instead, the Council of Representatives (Iraq's parliament) votes for the President. This is called an indirect suffrage election.
What the Iraqi President Does
Key Responsibilities
The Iraqi President has several important duties. These are outlined in the Iraqi Constitution:
- The President can give special pardons. This is usually suggested by the Prime Minister. However, pardons are not given for serious crimes like terrorism or corruption.
- The President approves international agreements. These agreements must first be approved by the parliament. They become official 15 days after the President receives them.
- The President approves and issues new laws. These laws are passed by the parliament. They become official 15 days after the President receives them.
- The President calls the parliament to meet. This happens within 15 days after election results are confirmed. It also happens in other situations mentioned in the constitution.
- The President gives out medals and awards. This is based on the Prime Minister's suggestion.
- The President officially welcomes ambassadors from other countries.
- The President issues special official orders called republican decrees.
- The President approves death sentences given by courts.
- The President acts as the honorary leader of the armed forces. This is for special events and ceremonies.
- The President carries out any other duties listed in the constitution.
Who Can Become President
Requirements for Candidates
To become President of Iraq, a person must meet certain conditions. These are listed in the Iraqi constitution:
- They must be an Iraqi citizen from birth. Both parents must also be Iraqi.
- They must be at least 40 years old.
- They should have a good reputation and political experience. They must be known for being honest, fair, and dedicated to their country.
- They must not have been found guilty of a serious crime.
Presidential Palaces
History of Official Residences
In 1958, when Iraq became a republic, its first leaders did not use grand palaces. Muhammad Najib al-Rubaie, who led the Sovereign Council, stayed in his own home. Abdul Karim Qassem, the Prime Minister, also stayed in his home. He used his office at the Ministry of Defense as his official workplace.
In 1963, Abd al-Salam Aref became leader. He focused on finishing a palace that was being built for King Faisal II. This palace was completed in 1965. It became Iraq's first official republican palace.
This palace was used until 2003. After that, American forces used it as their headquarters. Later, it became the American embassy. In 2009, the Iraqi government took it back. They fixed it up and renamed it the Government Palace. In 2012, an important Arab summit was held there.
Today, the Iraqi President lives in the Peace Palace. This palace was built during Saddam Hussein's time. Another large complex used by Saddam Hussein was the Radwaniyah presidential palace. There are also other presidential palaces in Baghdad and other cities. These include the Sujood Palace and Al-Faw Palace in Baghdad. There are also palaces in Mosul, Basra, Tikrit, and Babylon.
Past Presidents of Iraq
After the revolution on July 14, 1958, elections for a President were planned but never happened. So, the position was put on hold. Najib al-Rubaie led the Sovereignty Council, acting as head of state. Abd al-Salam Aref was the first person to officially hold the title of President of the Iraqi Republic.
Presidency Council
The Presidency Council was a temporary group. It acted like the President for a while after the new constitution was approved. This council could also send laws back to the parliament for changes.
See also
In Spanish: Presidente de Irak para niños
- List of presidents of Iraq
- List of prime ministers of Iraq
- List of kings of Iraq
