Unequal distribution excludes Kurds from administrative positions in Kirkuk
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has similarly voiced concerns, suggesting that the solution lies in reverting to the 32 percent formula for distributing positions, arguing that the Kurds have been underrepresented in the current administrative formation.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The distribution of administrative positions in Kirkuk province among electoral districts has sparked significant controversy, with the Kurdish population receiving the least number of positions despite being the majority in the city.
In contrast, Arabs have been granted the majority of these positions, with expectations of more being allocated to them.
Raad Saleh, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council representing the Arab bloc, emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution.
"We have the right to be given more positions because we have not received some of the positions we are entitled to yet, while there is a political agreement on how to distribute them," Saleh stated.
Türkeş Ezzaddin, a member of the political bureau of the Turkmen Front, also expressed dissatisfaction, advocating for fair representation.
“Real participation must be embodied in Kirkuk, but our rights in Kirkuk have been violated, so not only should positions be distributed, but all institutions should be divided by 32 percent,” Ezzaddin said.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has similarly voiced concerns, suggesting that the solution lies in reverting to the 32 percent formula for distributing positions, arguing that the Kurds have been underrepresented in the current administrative formation.
On August 10, a controversial meeting was held at the Rashid Hotel in Baghdad, where 9 members of the Kirkuk Provincial Council voted to elect Rebwar Taha as governor and Mohammed Hafez as the speaker of the Kirkuk Provincial Council.
Read More: Kirkuk provincial council meeting sparks controversy as Turkmen Front boycotts
This election was attended by 5 members of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), 3 members of the Arab component, and one Christian member. Notably absent were members of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, the Turkmen component, and several members of the Arab component.
The Turkmen Front has raised objections to the proceedings, with its head stating that the meeting "was held without the approval of the components in Baghdad and without the presence of the Turkmen component," calling it a violation of the agreed-upon minutes from the first session of the Kirkuk Provincial Council on July 11, 2024.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party bloc in the Kirkuk Provincial Council refused to attend the meeting, citing the lack of an official invitation from the council's oldest member as the reason. This ongoing dispute over administrative positions underscores the deep-seated tensions and the challenges of achieving a balanced and fair political representation in Kirkuk.
