KDP Bloc in Iraqi Parliament Announces Indefinite Boycott After Presidential Dispute

Peregraf — The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in Iraq’s parliament has announced an indefinite boycott of parliamentary sessions, escalating its political response following the disputed presidential election of Nizar Amedi.

The move marks the party’s first major parliamentary stance since Amedi, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, was elected President of Iraq on April 11 after Kurdish factions failed to agree on a joint candidate.

In a statement issued on April 18, the KDP parliamentary bloc said the decision came after what it described as violations of the constitution and law inside the Iraqi Council of Representatives, as well as the disregard of the principles of “partnership, balance, and consensus.”

“Based on the guidance and recommendations of our leadership, we have decided to boycott the sessions of the Council of Representatives indefinitely,” the statement said.

The bloc added that protecting the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan and preserving the legitimacy of the political process take priority over all other interests.

The KDP had earlier boycotted the parliamentary session that resulted in Amedi’s election, opposing the vote after rejecting the process and arguing that the presidency should be decided through Kurdish consensus. 

In a separate statement, the KDP Political Bureau said it does not recognize Amedi as a legitimate representative of the Kurdish majority and declared it would not engage with him following his election.

The party also recalled its representatives from both the Iraqi parliament and the federal government to the Kurdistan Region for consultations on next steps. 

On April 14, KDP ministers also boycotted a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, calling it a political response to the presidential vote.

The developments highlight deepening divisions between Iraq’s main Kurdish parties and raise new questions about political stability in Baghdad as government formation continues.