The prime ministerial candidate reiterated that the people of Iraq have the right to choose their own national leaders autonomously.

On January 31st local time, former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki issued a statement through his personal media office, reaffirming the right of the Iraqi people to independently choose their trusted national leaders based on the constitution and electoral mechanisms. The statement emphasized that respecting the will of the Iraqi people, democratic institutions, and determining the political system and national leadership through constitutional institutions are fundamental principles that al-Maliki and his political forces have always adhered to. The statement stressed that al-Maliki's side will continue to follow this will to advance the political process, and their position will not waver. The statement also expressed that al-Maliki's side will continue to respect the will of the country and make independent decisions, while also expecting other countries to respect the Iraqi people's autonomy in their own affairs.