Peregraf- Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) President Bafel Jalal Talabani delivered his final campaign speech in Sulaymaniyah ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections scheduled for November 11, portraying the PUK as the only Kurdish force capable of defending citizens’ rights in Baghdad and advancing both Kurdistan Region and Iraq.
Addressing what the party described as its largest public gathering of the campaign, Talabani emphasized that the PUK is defined by responsibility, reform, and service, asserting that it stands apart from political rivals he accused of corruption, collaboration with hostile forces, and suppressing public freedoms.
“The PUK is your strength in Baghdad, and no one can buy the PUK,” Talabani declared. “The PUK is the only party that can work in Baghdad and can advance Kurdistan Region and Iraq.”
Focus on Baghdad and Citizen Rights
Talabani said the party’s presence in Baghdad would be guided by a mission to secure the rights of all citizens. He insisted the PUK operates beyond partisan interests and serves all communities living in Iraq.
“We are going to Baghdad for your rights. We will serve everyone who lives in this country without discrimination,” he said, claiming this differentiates the PUK from other parties.
He repeatedly urged supporters to “make the ballot boxes green,” referring to the party’s campaign color, to strengthen its delegation in Baghdad.
Sharp Attacks on Rivals
Talabani launched a series of sharp criticisms at unnamed rivals, suggesting they lacked the moral and political credibility to speak on behalf of Kurdish nationalism.
“Those who rode on Saddam’s tanks have no right to talk about Kurdayati (Kurdish patriotism),” he said. “Those who were trading with ISIS are now speaking of Kurdayati .”
In another pointed criticism, he suggested that other political actors had “sold Kurdistan Region’s land to Turkey” and filled prisons with activists and journalists, positioning the PUK as a defender of free political space.
Talabani portrayed the PUK as a party of constant renewal that prioritizes young people and gender equality. He pledged continued support for women’s participation in leadership roles and emphasized that the PUK understands and represents young voters.
“The PUK knows your pain and will work for you from Baghdad — for our youth. This is the PUK’s promise,” he said.
Economic Claims and Local Services
The PUK leader credited his party with improving living conditions in Sulaymaniyah, claiming that development projects in the city were funded largely from PUK budgets rather than government allocations. He also said that 24-hour electricity services were achieved because the party prevented gas theft in KurdistanRegion . “The PUK did not allow the gas to be stolen; that is why there is 24-hour electricity,” Talabani said.
Talabani linked the party’s mission to the legacy of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, saying the PUK continues to follow his political program and national vision. He called the party’s main competitor “the PUK itself,” stressing that constant self-improvement was central to its identity. “From its creation until the end, the PUK is for you and will go into the fire for you,” he said.
Talabani concluded by urging strong voter turnout to empower the party in Baghdad, arguing that only the PUK had the capacity and credibility to resolve disputes with the federal government and secure Kurdish rights. “Send us to Baghdad with your votes so we can secure your rights.”
The November 11 parliamentary election is expected to determine the balance of Kurdish representation in Baghdad at a time of persistent political and financial tensions between Erbil and the federal government.