Iraqi presidency doesn't exclusively belong to one party: KDP spokesperson

"The candidate nominated for this position should be accepted by all parties of the Kurdistan Region."

Dler S. Mohammed 2022/01/24 15:34

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Politburo Member Mahmud Mohammed. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Kurdistan Barham Salih Mahmud Mohammed KDP PUK Iraqs President Iraqi governemnt formation 2022

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) spokesperson Mahmud Mohammed reaffirmed on Monday that the position of Iraq's presidency is not the exclusive property of one specific political party.

"The position of Iraq's president is a merit of the people of Kurdistan, and it is not owned by a specific person or party," Mahmud stated. "Therefore, the candidate nominated for this position should be accepted by all parties of the Kurdistan Region."

Mahmud added that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) insists on nominating a candidate that doesn't have the blessing of all Kurds.

"The PUK should have been wiser and more patriotic in dealing with this position and Kurdish unity," he said. "The PUK is responsible for the current division among the Kurdish political parties."

The KDP statement came in reaction to a PUK statement on Sunday. In that statement, the PUK argued that the presidency rightfully belongs to it and the candidate it puts forward.

The PUK statement also emphasized that the party will continue supporting Barham Salih as its candidate for the position.