Peregraf
The joint committee formed by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) to draft a comprehensive program outlining the principles of governance for the coming years is set to meet after the New Year holiday.
Speaking to reporters, Darbaz Kosrat Rasul, a member of the PUK Political Bureau and a participant in the PUK’s high-level negotiating delegation, emphasized the importance of genuine partnership between the two parties.
“In the past, when there was a real partnership between political forces and parties, Kurdistan enjoyed greater peace. We aim to be true partners in governance, not merely participants,” he said.
On the issue of post distribution between the PUK and KDP, Rasul clarified: “Neither we nor our KDP counterparts have discussed post allocations. There are far more important issues to address. We need to reach a comprehensive political agreement to prevent a repetition of the crises that plagued the region over the past decade.”
The KDP and PUK have agreed to form a joint committee to establish a shared program for the next phase of governance in the Kurdistan Region. Their initial meeting will take place after the New Year holiday, followed by a session involving the high-level leadership committees of both parties.
The first session of the Kurdistan Parliament was held on December 2. However, disagreements—particularly between the KDP and PUK—have stalled the election of parliamentary leadership, leaving the session open-ended.
Election Results and Coalition Necessity
In the recent parliamentary elections, the KDP emerged as the largest party with 39 seats, while the PUK secured 23 seats. Smaller parties and minority representatives collectively hold 38 seats. Since 51 seats are required for a majority, coalition-building remains essential.
The KDP and PUK continue to dominate the political landscape of the Kurdistan Region, with the KDP holding sway in Erbil and Duhok, and the PUK leading in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. These territorial and political divides underscore the necessity of cooperation between the two parties for a stable and functional government.
Historically, coalitions between the KDP and PUK have been critical in ensuring stability in the Kurdistan Region. As the two parties work to overcome their differences, a renewed coalition appears to be the most viable solution for addressing regional challenges and advancing governance.