KDP official warns of diminishing Kurdish representation in Diyala amid political shifts

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Akbar Haider, head of the 15th branch of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Khanaqin, has expressed concern that the position of governor in Diyala province may be taken away from the Kurds.

Haider highlighted the significant decline in Kurdish political influence in the region. "Since 2003, Khanaqin has consistently represented the voice of the Kurdistan Alliance and Kurdish parties in every election held in Iraq. However, the situation has drastically changed," he said.

In previous years, Kurds held six seats on the Diyala Provincial Council, along with the positions of council speaker, deputy governor, and several advisory roles.

However, Haider noted that these positions are no longer held by Kurds. The number of Kurdish seats on the council decreased to three in earlier elections, and following the elections on December 18, 2023, only one seat remains.

Haider also voiced his concerns about the broader implications for the Kurdish community in Diyala and Khanaqin. "There is a fear that Kurds will be marginalized in Diyala and Khanaqin, treated as a minority despite constituting 95% of the population. The Shiites and Sunnis have reached agreements to divide all administrative positions among themselves, sidelining the Kurds."

The KDP official's remarks align with those of Mala Bakhtyiar, a former member of the Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), who has similarly expressed concerns over the diminishing Kurdish influence in the region.

Mala Bakhtiyar recently stated that there has been a political agreement over the position of the Kirkuk Governor, where the Kurdish representation in Khanaqin has been sacrificed to secure this position. 

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