Baghdad, Iraq – The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has indicated that it may nominate its own candidate for the Iraqi presidency if ongoing negotiations with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) fail to produce a consensus candidate.
PUK leader Bafel Talabani stated on Saturday that discussions with the KDP are still underway to reach an agreement on a unified candidate for the presidential office. However, should these talks prove unfruitful, both parties will proceed with separate nominations, according to Talabani.
These statements come amidst intense political activity in Iraq aimed at resolving constitutional matters, primarily the election of the President. The Council of Representatives is responsible for electing the President, who then tasks the nominee of the largest parliamentary bloc with forming a government within 15 days.
Talabani also revealed plans to implement changes within the new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet and to resubmit the budget proposal to the regional parliament. This announcement was made during a visit to the residence of Shaswar Abdulwahid, the head of the New Generation Movement.
Talabani emphasized that his visit was part of an effort to form a strong government in cooperation with forces that share his reformist vision. “We need significant and important change, and we will continue our struggle to improve the situation in the Kurdistan Region,” he stated.
Abdulwahid, for his part, noted that both parties would work to achieve balance in the distribution of positions within the new regional government. Sarwa Abdulwahid, a member of the Iraqi Council of Representatives and head of the New Generation parliamentary bloc, stated that the bloc had presented an initiative aimed at reform and achieving a balance of power within the Kurdistan Region, a move welcomed by Talabani. Meetings between the PUK and the New Generation Movement are expected to continue as discussions progress.
