Controversy erupts over selecting Kirkuk governor

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Rakan Saeed al-Jibouri, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, held a press conference on Sunday to address concerns over a recent meeting of the council, which he claims was conducted illegally.

Al-Jibouri revealed that a political party had initially requested the council meeting through the media. However, he emphasized that no formal or written request had been submitted for the gathering, calling into question the legitimacy of the proceedings.

He specifically pointed to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) as the organizer of the meeting, accusing the party of failing to inform other involved parties. According to al-Jibouri, the PUK not only set the agenda unilaterally but also chose to hold the meeting in Baghdad—a decision he said was in direct violation of legal procedures.

"The meeting held last night was not legal, violating Article 13 of the provincial council election law," al-Jibouri stated. He further noted that several attendees of the meeting had previously signed a letter expressing their refusal to participate due to the alleged illegality.

Al-Jibouri also criticized the PUK for a lack of transparency and failure to consult with other parties, warning that this approach could deepen societal divisions.

Despite the controversy, the Kirkuk Provincial Council proceeded with the meeting in Baghdad on Saturday, electing new leadership, including a new governor, even as several key political groups boycotted the session.

Read More: Kirkuk Provincial Council elects new governor amid boycott by key parties