Peregraf- Nearly 200 Kurdish civil society representatives, academics, writers, religious figures, and political personalities have signed a memorandum calling on members of the Kurdistan Parliament to immediately resume parliamentary sessions and end the prolonged political deadlock in the Kurdistan Region.
The memorandum warned that continued paralysis of parliament and delays in forming a new government threaten the legitimacy and functionality of Kurdistan Region institutions.
Call to Resume Parliament
The signatories stated that parliamentarians must "resume parliamentary sessions as soon as possible, elect the presidium, and fulfill their duties in response to their historical responsibility."
They warned that if parliament continues to remain inactive, legal and political measures should be considered to end the current parliamentary term.
"If there is no solution, it is a great shame to remain in this situation," the memorandum stated.
Parliament Inactive for Approximately 18 Months
The memorandum noted that approximately 18 months have passed since the sixth term of the Kurdistan Parliament held its inaugural session, yet parliament has remained effectively inactive aside from the swearing-in ceremony and the confirmation of members of parliament's (MPs') salaries and privileges.
The signatories criticized political parties for treating the issue "carelessly and irresponsibly," particularly while the Kurdistan Region faces political, economic, and administrative challenges.
They contrasted the situation with Iraq's federal institutions, noting that Iraqi parliamentary and presidential institutions are functioning despite elections being held later than those in the Kurdistan Region.
Political Vacuum Continues
Following the Kurdistan parliamentary elections held on October 20, 2024, the formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet has remained stalled.
Although the newly elected parliament held its inaugural session on December 2, 2024, it has not convened again.
The election of the parliamentary presidium requires agreement between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), but disputes over power-sharing and senior positions have prevented consensus.
Appeal to Political Parties
The memorandum called on all Kurdish political forces and parliamentary blocs to publicly clarify their positions regarding the ongoing deadlock and take "serious steps" to resolve the crisis.
Copies of the memorandum were addressed to Peregraf Media, diplomatic missions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on democracy and elections, and Kurdish political parties.