KDP Spokesman Says Bafel Talabani’s '39-to-39' Claim Will Be Discussed, Warns Early Elections May Be Only Alternative

Peregraf- Mahmood Mohammed said the upcoming talks between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) will address Bafel Talabani’s recent claim that the PUK and its allies now hold parliamentary strength equal to the KDP.

Mohammed said no date has yet been set for a new round of KDP-PUK negotiations but stressed that resolving the political deadlock requires renewed dialogue.

"In the meetings, we will discuss Bafel Talabani’s 39-to-39 claim," Mohammed told journalists.

He added that "the stubbornness currently displayed by certain parties cannot continue."

Warning of Early Elections

According to the KDP spokesman, the preferred solution remains an agreement between political parties to reactivate parliament and form the Kurdistan Regional Government’s 10th cabinet.

However, he warned that if negotiations fail once again, early elections may become unavoidable.

"The solution is for the parties to reach an agreement on forming the government and reactivating parliament," Mohammed said. "If no agreement is reached, there will be no other choice but early elections."

Bafel Talabani’s '39-to-39' Formula

The remarks come days after Bafel Talabani announced that the PUK would sign a strategic agreement with the New Generation Movement and argued that the alliance would place the two sides on equal footing with the KDP.

"We are ready to deal with numbers; we are 39 to 39, and we demand half of the government," Talabani said during ceremonies marking the PUK’s 51st anniversary.

The PUK currently holds 23 seats in parliament, while New Generation holds 15. Talabani’s calculation appears to include support from political allies and minority representatives.

Government Formation Talks Remain Frozen

Formal negotiations between the KDP and PUK have been suspended for nearly six months after approximately 20 meetings failed to produce an agreement on forming a new government.

The deadlock has continued despite repeated calls from Kurdish leaders to resume dialogue after Eid al-Adha.

On May 26, Masoud Barzani urged political parties to end what he described as an unfavorable political situation and resume negotiations.

18 Months Without a New Government

The Kurdistan Region has remained without a new government and an active parliament for more than 18 months since elections were held on October 20, 2024.

Although parliament held its inaugural session on December 2, 2024, lawmakers have not reconvened since, leaving the legislature effectively inactive.

Disputes between the KDP and PUK over power-sharing, parliamentary leadership positions, and cabinet formation have prevented the establishment of the KRG’s 10th cabinet.

The prolonged paralysis has delayed approval of a new government and budget and fueled growing criticism of Kurdistan Region institutions.