A source close to Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid said he is set to withdraw his candidacy for a second term ahead of Tuesday’s parliamentary vote.

Axar.az reports, citing Shafaq News, that Parliament had earlier confirmed the session to elect the president would proceed as scheduled amid ongoing political talks and competition among multiple candidates.

It is noted that the presidential race has narrowed following recent withdrawals and political alignments, while the total number of candidates has reached 19 after earlier adjustments by the Federal Supreme Court.

According to MPs, once the presidential vote is completed, the newly elected president is expected to assign the task of forming the next government to Nouri al-Maliki, leader of the State of Law Coalition and the Coordination Framework’s nominee.

No official reason for Rashid’s withdrawal was provided in the report.