Hakim Praises KDP Role in Iraq's Democracy and Political Process

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Al-Hikma Movement, or National Wisdom Movement, leader Ammar al-Hakim has praised the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) for what he described as a crucial role in consolidating Iraq's democratic process, as he congratulated President Masoud Barzani on the party's 80th founding anniversary.

In a message issued Sunday, al-Hakim extended his congratulations to President Barzani, the KDP leadership, its cadres and supporters, praising the party's longstanding political role in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

He said the KDP's founding represented a "prominent milestone" in Iraq's political and national history and credited the party with maintaining an influential role over decades of struggle for Kurdish rights.

Hakim Praises KDP's Political Role

According to al-Hakim's message, the KDP has defended values of freedom and justice while contributing to the development of Iraq's political system.

He specifically praised the party for its role in strengthening the democratic process and said its continued support for Iraq's political trajectory remained important.

Al-Hakim also wished the KDP "continued success and progress" in what he described as its national struggle and service to Iraq generally and the Kurdistan Region in particular.

His remarks placed the KDP's history within the broader development of Iraq's post-2003 political system, in which Kurdish parties have played a central role in government formation, constitutional negotiations and political power-sharing.

Dialogue Seen as Path to Stability

Alongside his praise for the KDP, al-Hakim called on Iraq's political forces to maintain dialogue and partnership as the country confronts its continuing political and security challenges.

He argued that mutual understanding, dialogue and national partnership remain the most viable means of addressing disputes and preserving Iraq's stability.

The comments come amid continued political discussions among Iraq's major parties over federal relations, constitutional issues and the balance of authority between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region.

Eight Decades of KDP History

The Kurdistan Democratic Party was founded on Aug. 16, 1946, under the leadership of the late Kurdish leader Mulla Mustafa Barzani.

Over the following eight decades, it became one of the most influential political organizations in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, surviving periods of armed conflict, political repression and major changes in Iraq's political order.

The anniversary also coincides with the 80th birthday of President Masoud Barzani, who has spent much of his life at the center of Kurdish political and military affairs.

Barzani later became President of the Kurdistan Region and played a prominent role in relations between Erbil, Baghdad and international powers.

Al-Hakim's message places the KDP's anniversary within Iraq's broader political history, while underscoring his call for continued cooperation among the country's political forces.

For al-Hakim, the party's future role remains linked to the wider question of how Iraq can preserve political partnership, democratic institutions and stability.