34 Years After First Election, Kurdistan Parliament Remains Paralyzed Amid Political Deadlock

Peregraf — The Kurdistan Region on Monday marked the 34th anniversary of its first parliamentary election, held on May 19, 1992, while the Kurdistan Parliament remains inactive amid continuing disputes between the region's main political parties.

More than a year and six months have passed since the last parliamentary election on October 20, 2024, yet parliament has still not resumed normal operations and the 10th cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has not been formed. 

Parliament Still Inactive

The new parliamentary term held its first session on December 2, 2024, during which lawmakers took their constitutional oaths.

However, no additional sessions have been held since then, and parliament has effectively remained suspended.

The paralysis stems primarily from disagreements between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) over power-sharing arrangements, parliamentary leadership positions, and the formation of the next KRG cabinet. 

Criticism Over Salaries and Inactivity

The only formal achievement of the current parliamentary term has been the swearing-in of lawmakers, a move that enabled members of parliament (MPs) to receive salaries and benefits despite the institution remaining largely inactive.

The situation has drawn increasing public criticism, particularly as parliament has failed to carry out key constitutional responsibilities.

Aside from electing its leadership presidium — which has still not occurred — parliament was also expected to approve the new cabinet and pass a budget law.

Independent Institutions Affected

The continued paralysis has also blocked the renewal and reactivation of several independent institutions whose legal mandates have expired.

These include:

The Integrity Commission

The Financial Audit Board

The Human Rights Commission

The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC)

Observers warn that the institutional vacuum is increasingly affecting governance and oversight mechanisms in the Kurdistan Region. 

Before the October 2024 elections, the Kurdistan Region had already spent nearly three years without a functioning parliament.

On May 30, 2023, Iraq's Federal Supreme Court dissolved the Kurdistan Parliament after lawmakers failed to hold elections on time, ruling that the extension of parliament's term was unconstitutional.

The current deadlock has renewed concerns over political instability and institutional paralysis in the Kurdistan Region.