New PUK parliamentary head replaced by Talabani's son hours after announcement

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s third-largest party on Saturday replaced its newly selected parliamentary head for the upcoming legislative election within hours of the original announcement, raising questions among Kurdish political enthusiasts.  

On Saturday, the Kurdistan Patriotic Union (PUK) revealed they had chosen Arsalan Bayiz, a former Parliamentary Speaker, as the party’s parliamentary leader in the upcoming election. Hours later, however, Bayiz was replaced by 41-year-old Qubad Talabani, son of the late PUK leader, Jalal Talabani, and current deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region.

Bayiz was replaced after he reportedly turned down the position.

“Following the evening prayer, I was informed I would lead the PUK list in the Kurdistan parliamentary election,” Bayiz said in a statement. He explained he rejected the offer, however, believing the opportunity should go to someone else.

“I have been a member of the parliament for four years, and spent another four in the parliament presidency,” Bayiz said.

Thanking the PUK for the vote of confidence in him, Bayiz apologized as well stating he believes “it is better to have another friend as head of the PUK list. I thank the friends and brothers that nominated me for that post.”

Before the PUK announced its parliamentary leader on Saturday, rumors circulated on Kurdish social media networks that Hakim Qadr Hamajan, Qubad Talabani, and Lahur Sheikh Jangi were all possible candidates for the position. Some now question the reasons behind Bayiz rejecting the post or him being appointed in the first place. 

The PUK currently holds the third most seats the Kurdistan Region, with 18 seats out of 111, trailing behind the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) with 38, and Gorran (Change) with 24.

Divisions among the PUK senior leadership have been of growing concern for the party over the past few years, and especially since the death of Jalal Talabani. The party has often been criticized for its lack of a unified stance and decision-making process.

The Kurdistan Region is scheduled to hold a parliamentary election on Sep. 30 this year. Sunday, July 29, is the deadline for parties to register their candidates.

Editing by Nadia Riva