Peregraf- Iraq’s presidential election enters a decisive stage on Sunday, as the Iraqi Parliament convenes to vote for the President of the Republic on what marks the final constitutional deadline for the process. Despite being granted a short extension, Kurdish political parties have yet to agree on a unified candidate, intensifying political uncertainty ahead of the session.
According to the official agenda released by the Iraqi Parliament, Sunday’s session is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. and includes two main items. The first is the swearing-in of members of parliament who have not yet taken the legal oath. The second is the vote to elect Iraq’s next president
Kurdish Parties Remain Divided
By political convention, the presidency is allocated to the Kurds. Nineteen candidates have registered for the post, the majority of them Kurdish. However, the two main Kurdish parties—the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)—have failed to reach agreement on a single nominee as the constitutional timeframe expires.
The parliamentary session had initially been scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, but was postponed at the request of the KDP and PUK blocs to allow further negotiations. The delay was also supported by several Shiite political forces, who encouraged the Kurdish parties to resolve their differences and present a unified candidate.
Three Main Contenders
The contest has effectively narrowed to three prominent Kurdish figures. Incumbent President Dr. Latif Rashid has nominated himself for a second term. The PUK has put forward Nizar Amedi, while the KDP has nominated Fuad Hussein as its official candidate.
Analysts say one of these three figures is most likely to secure the presidency, depending on parliamentary alignments and last-minute negotiations.
During the previous presidential term, Dr. Latif Rashid was elected as a compromise candidate after both the KDP and PUK opposed each other’s nominees. Observers are now questioning whether a similar consensus could emerge again, or whether parliament will back an officially nominated party candidate this time.
Judicial Pressure Over Deadlines
Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council has stressed the importance of adhering strictly to constitutional deadlines for electing the president and appointing the prime minister. The Council warned that any deviation from these timelines could undermine political stability and the constitutional process.
As parliament meets on Sunday, the vote is expected to clarify whether Iraq’s political forces—particularly the Kurdish parties—can overcome internal divisions at a critical constitutional moment, or whether further uncertainty lies ahead.
The Iraqi parliament is expected to elect the president tomorrow. Following the election, the president will have 15 days to nominate a prime ministerial candidate—typically from the largest parliamentary bloc—who will then have 30 days to form a cabinet and present a government program for a confidence vote.