Iraq throws wrench into Opec secretary-general vote

Iraq throws wrench into Opec secretary-general vote

London, 2 December (Argus) — Opec's attempt to select a replacement for Mohammad Barkindo as secretary-general have been stymied by Iraqi calls for further nominees.

With Barkindo's formal mandate ending in the summer of next year, discussing his successor was on the agenda at the group's bi-annual administrative meeting yesterday, but the session ended with no decision. Opec will now hold an extraordinary meeting in January, immediately before the broader monthly Opec+ meeting, to address the issue.

So far, Kuwait has nominated the only contender for the post — the country's former Opec governor Haitham al-Ghais, who acted as the first chairman of the Opec+ Joint Technical Committee (JTC). Al-Ghais has received support from Opec heavyweight Saudi Arabia, according to one delegate, along with the endorsement of smaller delegations. Iraq yesterday requested further time for other candidates to step forward, hinting that it too might submit a nomination. Baghdad has yet to decide on a nominee.