The decision of Iraqi Prime Minister elect, Noori-al-Maliki to step down from his post in Iraq set an example for ignoring personal interests and preferring national interests. Al-Maliki won this year’s general elections though the elections were held in very queer circumstances.

The electoral process was limited to Baghdad and provincial capital of some of the major cities where the government forces were in power. While most parts of the country were occupied by the militants of ISIS and even in the government-ruled areas, insecurity and other threats resulted in poor turnout of voters. The voting process was a mere formality because there were no strong candidates and no healthy competition. At the end of the polls, Al-Maliki was declared to be the winner of these polls.

However, the ground realities were not in favor of Maliki. In his reign, he had angered almost all the tribes and classes of Iraq and common person was not happy of him. The increasing invasion of ISIS in different cities and towns of Iraq also created a constant threat for the establishment and functioning of a central government in Baghdad. Iraqi government was once again in handicapped position, looking for America and its allies to rescue the country and save it from falling into the hands of rebels.

he US and its allies also realized that a new government should be formed which should be acceptable for all in Baghdad and it should be lead by a person other than Maliki. Due to intense pressure from local opposition groups, Iraqi tribes and Western forces, Al-Maliki resigned from his post and his competitor, Al-Ebadi has been invited to form a government which is backed by both Iraqi groups and foreign forces.

The example of the step-down of Al-Maliki shows a possibility to our presidential candidates in which one can step down, paving the way for the formation of a government. Now that more than six months have passed in the electoral process and still the dispute is in progress, it is a time for one of the candidates to ignore their personal gains and benefits and decide in the vast interests of the country. The decision becomes more crucial having a look at the staggering condition of security and economy in the country.

The uncertainty about the future of country has already jammed the wheel of economy and increasing activities of Taliban and militants in different parts of the country raise serious questions about the future of the country. Having a look at the bright example of Iraq, Afghans are also hopeful that one of our leaders would also act in the similar responsible manner.