Peregraf- The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) affirmed on Tuesday that it will nominate its own candidate for the Iraqi presidency, while internal discussions on the final name are still underway.
PUK spokesperson Karwan Gezneyi made the remarks during a press conference following a meeting of the party’s Political Bureau. He reiterated that the post of President of the Republic of Iraq “is the right of the PUK,” and that the party intends to put forward a candidate once the bureau concludes its deliberations.
Gezneyi called on all Kurdish parties to work toward a joint negotiating paper before entering talks in Baghdad, stressing that unity is essential for safeguarding Kurdish constitutional rights. “We hope all Kurdish parties reach a common position so we can defend our rights with one voice,” he said.
Addressing the political uncertainty surrounding possible repeat elections, the PUK spokesperson insisted that the party is not concerned. “Three elections have taken place in the past two years, and in all three, our competitors have lost votes and seats,” he noted, suggesting that the PUK would not be harmed by another round.
Gezneyi also underscored the PUK’s pivotal role in forming the next cabinet of Kurdistan Regional Government. He argued that, given the Kurdistan Region’s “geographical and historical realities,” no government can succeed without the participation of the PUK. “Other parties know this very well,” he said. “Even if a government is formed without us, it will fail.”