From the Office of the Iraqi President:
President Rashid Announces Withdrawal from Second-Term Bid, Citing Need to Preserve National Unity
Baghdad, April 11, 2026 — President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid addressed the Iraqi people, announcing his decision to withdraw from seeking a second term as President of the Republic.
In his address, President Rashid said, “I address you today with a clear conscience and with gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together. After deep reflection, I have decided not to stand for a second term as President of the Republic,” stressing that he does not wish his candidacy to contribute to heightened political polarization or weaken national unity.
The President reviewed key achievements over the past three years, notably restoring Iraq’s standing on the international stage after years of terrorism and isolation and consolidating security and stability to ensure that Iraqis can live in safety. He also expressed pride in these accomplishments, particularly in doing justice to Halabja and granting it its full constitutional rights as a governorate.
President Rashid noted that three years may not be sufficient to resolve challenges accumulated over decades, but emphasized that the foundations laid during this period will help future leaders build a stronger, more unified and stable Iraq.
The full text of the President’s address:
In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Our dear Iraqi people,
Peace be upon you. I address you today with a clear conscience and with gratitude for the journey we have undertaken together. After deep reflection, I have decided not to stand for a second term as President of the Republic.
It has been a tremendous honour to serve our Iraqi people over the past three years. Together, we succeeded in restoring our country’s standing in the world after long years of terrorism and isolation.
During my term in office, I had the privilege of representing Iraq abroad with a clear mission: to rebuild trust, to open doors, and to return our country to the international stage. At the United Nations, and in a number of countries across the world, I conveyed the same message – that Iraq today is a pillar of security, stability, and culture, and a partner ready for business, investment, and global engagement.
We hosted the Arab League Summit for the first time since the defeat of Daesh, demonstrating to the world that Iraq is reclaiming its rightful place as an active state in the region. We also played constructive roles in regional mediation, often behind the scenes, for peace is not built through noise, but through patience and diplomacy.
We worked to restore security and stability so that our people might live in safety. We are proud of the achievements we have realised – not least in granting Halabja its dignity and its rights as a governorate. Among the most fulfilling aspects of my term was visiting the majority of Iraq’s provinces, listening to officials and citizens alike, and sharing moments with children whose hope and optimism remain a source of inspiration to me.
Despite our efforts, we were not able to fully overcome political deadlock. Three years are not sufficient to resolve problems that have accumulated over decades. Yet I believe that the foundations we have laid will help future leaders build a stronger and more united Iraq.
Even amid the wars and conflicts in our region, my priority was to protect Iraq from being drawn into those conflicts, and to serve the interests of all our people. I remain committed to serving my country beyond the confines of office, and to supporting any effort that safeguards our unity, our stability, and our democratic future.
Many of us spent years in opposition and in exile, far from our homeland, guided by our conviction that our people deserve a genuine democracy – one in which power is earned through the ballot box, not imposed by force. This democracy is precious and must be protected.
I have no wish for my candidacy to contribute to further polarisation or to the weakening of national unity. It is for this reason that I have chosen to withdraw.
Serving the Iraqi people during this period has been the greatest honour of my life, and I look forward now to devoting my time to other pursuits.
May God protect Iraq and its noble people.
Peace, mercy, and blessings of God be upon you.
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(Source: Office of the Iraqi President)
