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Qubad to Bafel Talabani: "We need to show we are legitimately getting those seats"

In the recording, Bafel Talabani reportedly informs his brother that Baghdad officials assured him of the PUK's guaranteed seats and promised to annul the "11 quota seats in parliament."

Bafel Talabani the head of PUK (L) and his brother Qubad Talabani (R). (Photo: Archive)
Bafel Talabani the head of PUK (L) and his brother Qubad Talabani (R). (Photo: Archive)
Kurdistan Bafel Talabani Qubad Talabni Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Electoral Rigging Attempt Electoral Fraud Undermining Democratic Values Electoral Interference

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – A recording of a telephone conversation between Bafel Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and his brother Qubad Talabani has surfaced, suggesting that officials in Baghdad have "guaranteed" 30 seats for the PUK in the upcoming Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

On Tuesday, the High Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), responsible for overseeing the sixth session of the Kurdistan Parliament elections, released the audio recording.

While the exact date of the conversation remains unclear, it is believed to have occurred prior to the Federal Supreme Court's decision to dissolve the 11 Quota seats in KRG parliament.

In the recording, Bafel Talabani reportedly informs his brother that Baghdad officials assured him of the PUK's guaranteed seats and promised to annul the "11 quota seats in parliament."

The conversation raises significant concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections.

"We need to show we are legitimately getting those seats," Qubad Talabani reportedly states during the call. Bafel further dismisses the need for public support, saying, "I will not be begging for anyone to vote. I don’t give a shit about Shahidan, Mala Shahid or f**king Peshmergas. They will probably go and vote for that c*nt Lahur anyway."

The release of this recording has intensified scrutiny on the PUK, prompting accusations of electoral manipulation and disregard for democratic principles.

The KDP has consistently raised concerns about the electoral process, emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections.

Below is the transcript of the telephone recording:

Bafel: Yes, Qub! How are you Kaka?

Qubad: How are you doing back? How was your trip to our neighbor?

Bafel: Never been better bro, they told me they are running out of patience with the Barzanis.

Qubad: That’s obvious Kaka., they are absolutely right about Parti (KDP).

Bafel: It does not really matter what they do, I promise you we will f**k them hard this time. Do not you worry. They have guaranteed us a minimum of 30 seats. And also promised to get rid of those 11 seats that Parti has always been using to their advantage.

Qubad: That’s great news, Baf! Also, from my side everything is going according to the plan. But, remember Kaka, we have to be very smart about this and start lobbying for the elections. We need to show we are legitimately getting those seats. As usual, we have the advantage of using hizbi shaidan, Anfal, etc. just in case shit hit the fan.

Bafel: Listen Kaka, we will play the game. But, as far as I’m concerned, we have already been guaranteed our seats. We don’t need any f*ckers’ vote. I will not be begging for anyone to vote. I don’t give a shit about Shahidan, Mala Shahid or f**king Peshmergas. They will probably go and vote for that c*nt Lahur anyway.

Qubad: Either way, we have to be careful for now as Party, especially Masrour, are really worried as they cannot figure out what our next move is. They know we’re getting help for the elections from Baghdad and our neighbor, but they cannot prove it.

Bafel: I tell you one thing. I can’t wait to see Masrour’s arrogant face when we f**k them in the elections. That prick always looked down on us. We’ll give them taste of their own medicine.

Qubad: Yes, agreed. But, as you know Party will pressure Baghdad try to make things go their way.

Bafel: Kaka, Baghdad will listen to us, thanks to our neighbor’s influence. It doesn’t really matter what Party tries to do in Baghdad. If something doesn’t really suit us, I’ll just fly over there and f**k it all up. Simple as that.

End of conversation.

As the political landscape in the Kurdistan Region continues to evolve, both the KDP and PUK are navigating a challenging environment, with accusations and counter-accusations dominating the discourse. The authenticity of the recording and its implications for the upcoming elections remain to be fully assessed, as the KDP calls for accountability and vigilance among voters.