Deep divisions between Kurdistan Democratic Party and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan cast doubt over quorum and government formation
By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj
SULAIMANI, April 10 (Kurdish Policy Analysis) — Iraq’s parliament is set to convene on Saturday to elect a new president and advance efforts to form a government, but deep political divisions — particularly among Kurdish factions — have raised uncertainty over whether the session will proceed.
Lawmakers are scheduled to meet on April 11, though it remains unclear if the constitutional quorum of 220 members will be met, amid competing boycott calls and unresolved disputes among major political blocs.
The divisions are most pronounced between the rival Kurdish parties — the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) — which have split into opposing camps over the sequencing of key leadership appointments.
In a statement posted Friday on Rudaw, KDP leader Massoud Barzani criticized what he described as an attempt by some factions within the Coordination Framework to push ahead with the presidential vote while delaying agreement on a prime minister.
“The insistence on proceeding with the presidential election while postponing the selection of a prime ministerial candidate is unacceptable,” Barzani said.
“No constitutional rights should be resolved unless these issues are addressed simultaneously.” he emphasized.
Barzani stressed that resolving both positions together is necessary to ensure full participation of all political actors in the parliamentary session.
The KDP position contrasts sharply with that of the PUK, whose parliamentary bloc has called for the session to go ahead, warning that further delays risk undermining state institutions.
In a statement, the PUK emphasized the importance of completing “constitutional entitlements,” including the election of the president, describing the post as essential for maintaining political continuity.
“The delay in resolving this position will disrupt the state and lead to the accumulation of economic, service and security challenges,” the PUK said, urging lawmakers to attend Saturday’s session.
The Kurdish split reflects broader fragmentation across Iraq’s political landscape, where Shiite and Sunni factions are also divided into multiple camps — including those planning to boycott, those committed to attending, and others yet to decide.
Adding to the uncertainty, Deputy Speaker Farhad Atrushi on Friday voiced opposition to holding the session without prior consensus, warning that key positions remain unresolved.
He called for further dialogue to agree on both a presidential candidate and a nominee for prime minister, underscoring the risk of a contested or incomplete vote.
Under Iraq’s constitution, the election of a president is a critical step toward naming a prime minister and forming a new government. However, the ongoing deadlock threatens to prolong political paralysis in a country already grappling with economic pressures and security concerns.
Saturday’s session is widely seen as a pivotal test of whether Iraq’s fractured political elite can bridge divisions — or whether the stalemate will deepen further.
Other Kurdish Factions Align Against Delay
Several smaller Kurdish factions—including the Halwest Movement (Stance Movement), Komal (Kurdistan Islamic Group), and Yekgirtu (Kurdistan Islamic Union)—have also confirmed their participation.
These groups stated that all Kurdish factions except the KDP are expected to attend and support a separate presidential candidate, Musanna Amin.
In a joint statement, they stressed that:
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Participation reflects a commitment to political stability
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The session represents a decisive step toward restoring constitutional order
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Continued delays would worsen economic, security, and service challenges facing citizens
They warned that obstructing the process is unjustified and risks deepening the country’s crises.
Broad Political Participation Expected
Beyond Kurdish factions, several major political blocs have confirmed attendance:
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The Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by Mohammed Shia al-Sudani
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The State Forces Coalition, led by Ammar al-Hakim
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The Sunni Taqadoom Party, led by Mohammed al-Halbusi
However, disputes remain over the post of prime minister. The State of Law Coalition continues to back Nouri al-Maliki, refusing to withdraw his candidacy without a broader agreement within the Coordination Framework.
Pressure to End Political Deadlock
In a formal statement, the PUK faction underscored the importance of Saturday’s session, calling it essential to completing key constitutional requirements and ensuring the continuity of state institutions.
The faction warned that delays in electing a president would:
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Disrupt governance
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Exacerbate economic and service crises
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Undermine public confidence
“Iraqi citizens expect parliament to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities,” the statement said, highlighting public demands for improved living conditions and employment opportunities.
Iraqi Parliament Crucial Session as Kurdish Divisions Persist
Iraq’s parliament is scheduled to convene on Saturday for a pivotal session aimed at electing a new president and advancing the formation of the next government, amid ongoing political divisions—particularly among major Kurdish parties.
Session Agenda and Political Stakes
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Haibat al-Halbusi, confirmed that the session’s agenda includes a single, critical item: the election of the Iraqi president.
Halbusi warned that any lawmakers or factions boycotting the session and obstructing constitutional progress will have their names publicly disclosed.
More than 230 members of parliament have reportedly signed up to attend, signaling a strong likelihood that the session will proceed.
Kurdish Parties Remain Divided
Despite a 10-day window granted by the presidency to agree on a unified nominee, the two dominant Kurdish parties—the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)—have failed to reach consensus.
Both parties are expected to enter the session with separate candidates:
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The KDP has nominated Fuad Hussein
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The PUK is backing its own candidate Nizar Amedi and insists it has broad parliamentary support
Dylan Ghafoor, spokesperson for the PUK faction, confirmed participation in the session, emphasizing the urgency of completing constitutional procedures and forming a new government. She added that there is “strong will” among lawmakers to elect a president.
A Test of Political Responsibility
Kurdish and national factions alike are framing the session as a moment of historical responsibility, urging lawmakers to prioritize national interests and end the prolonged political stalemate.
With divisions unresolved but participation levels high, Saturday’s session could prove decisive in determining whether Iraq moves forward with government formation—or remains mired in political deadlock.
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