Kurdistan Region President emphasizes unity and swift government formation post-elections
The Kurdistan Region President expressed that the recent elections, despite their delay, marked a significant milestone in the Kurdistan Region's democratic journey.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, speaking at a panel titled "The Kurdistan Region in a Turmoil Period" at the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) forum on Wednesday, underscored the importance of unity and swift government formation following recent parliamentary elections. The discussion highlighted both the achievements and challenges ahead for the region.
The Kurdistan Region President expressed that the recent elections, despite their delay, marked a significant milestone in the Kurdistan Region's democratic journey. He stated, "The Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections were crucial for reinforcing the legitimacy of our governance. Although delayed, this democratic exercise underscores the progress we’ve made, with the people as the true winners." He congratulated the Kurdish people, describing their participation as a clear sign of the democratic process advancing along the right path.
Reflecting on the post-election period, Barzani emphasized the importance of collaboration among all political factions. "Now, we must move past the election atmosphere," he said. "It’s essential for political forces to come together with open minds to form a coalition government swiftly. No single party has a majority to govern alone, so cooperation is key." He reiterated that timely government formation was not only vital for stability within Kurdistan but also for its standing within Iraq.
Addressing the role of the opposition, Barzani highlighted its value in promoting governmental transparency, saying, "An active opposition in parliament serves to monitor the government, contributing to a balanced and effective system."
Amid calls for unity, Barzani dismissed notions of a divided administration within the Kurdistan Region, firmly stating, "We will not revert to two administrations. Such an idea would weaken our governance structure, which is rooted in our constitutional framework." He added that any division would undermine the effectiveness of governance, urging all political forces to prioritize a unified administrative model.
Barzani also pointed to the Kurdistan Region’s complex relationship with Baghdad, noting that the central government has not always upheld a federal approach in its dealings with the region. "Baghdad's treatment of the Kurdistan Region has been centralized, contrary to federal principles," he remarked while expressing hope that the election could provide an opportunity for both sides to find common ground on unresolved issues.
As the region moves forward, Barzani emphasized that cooperation, both within the Kurdistan Region and with Baghdad, is paramount. "It is time to find a model that addresses our issues with Baghdad effectively," he concluded, calling for Kurdish unity and decisive action to secure a stable future for the region.