Peregraf
A high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) met today in Erbil to discuss the formation of a new government for the Kurdistan Region. The meeting concluded with the decision to form a joint committee that will prepare a comprehensive program outlining the principles of the Kurdisatn governance for the upcoming years.
According to a joint statement issued by the KDP and PUK, the meeting addressed regional developments and their impact on Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.
"Both sides agreed on unity and solidarity in protecting the highest interests of the Kurdistan Region at this sensitive stage," the statement read.
The meeting comes after two weeks of political deadlock following the first session of the Kurdistan Parliament. Disagreements, particularly between the KDP and PUK, have prevented the election of parliamentary leadership, leaving the session open-ended.
Election Results and Power Dynamics
The KDP emerged as the largest party in the recent elections, securing 39 seats, while the PUK won 23 seats. Smaller parties and minority representatives hold a combined 38 seats. With 51 seats required for a majority, forming a coalition remains indispensable.
The KDP and PUK dominate the Kurdistan Region’s political landscape, with the KDP controlling Erbil and Duhok and the PUK leading in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. These territorial and political divisions make cooperation between the two parties essential for a stable and functioning government.
Historically, KDP-PUK coalitions have played a key role in ensuring regional stability. As the two parties work to overcome their differences, a renewed coalition remains the most viable outcome to address critical regional challenges and move forward with governance in the Kurdistan Region.