Peregraf– As campaigning heats up for Iraq’s November legislative elections, the Kurdistan Region’s two ruling parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), are centering their messages on resolving the long-standing issues with Baghdad, particularly the financial entitlements and salaries of public employees.
During a campaign rally in Erbil, Deputy President of the KDP and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said the party’s representatives in Baghdad are tasked with "fighting for the rights of the people of Kurdistan."
"Our representatives in Baghdad will advocate for the rights of all components," Barzani said, describing Iraq’s parliamentary elections as "crucial." He stressed that the KDP aims to maintain "stronger relations" with Baghdad to ensure implementation of the Constitution and secure the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region.
Barzani, who urged supporters to campaign in a "peaceful and civilized way," added: "The KDP representatives must defend the rights of all Iraqi components, and defend the rights of the oppressed. Our representatives must go there to serve justice."
The KDP, which currently holds 31 seats in the Iraqi parliament—the largest share among Kurdish parties—launched its campaign under the slogan "Partnership, Balance, and Compatibility." Party leader Masoud Barzani has also called for calm and orderly campaigning.
Meanwhile, the PUK is highlighting its efforts to strengthen ties with Baghdad, presenting itself as the party best placed to resolve the Region’s financial disputes with the federal government.
Speaking in Erbil, PUK Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani emphasized that recent agreements over salary payments were the result of President Bafel Talabani’s direct engagement with Iraqi leaders.
"We understand that politically they cannot admit it, but all parties know that the current understanding and agreement between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad for sending salaries is the result of President Bafel's continuous efforts and discussions in Baghdad," Talabani said.
He added that Iraqi parties themselves acknowledge Bafel Talabani as "following the exact same path as President Mam Jalal, aiming to resolve the problems of the people of Kurdistan from Baghdad."
Qubad Talabani called for strengthening the PUK’s position in the elections, saying: "Over the past three years, the PUK and President Bafel have taken many significant steps and created trust and a good foundation for a fundamental resolution of the issues. In this election, it is very important to strengthen the PUK’s hand so that we can move towards a final agreement with greater power."
The PUK currently holds 17 seats in Baghdad and has sought to position itself as the Kurdish party capable of building trust with Iraqi counterparts, especially on financial matters. Its election slogan is: "We are Your Strength in Baghdad."
Election campaigning in Iraq officially began on October 3 and will continue until November 8. Security forces and special voters will cast their ballots on November 9, followed by the general vote on November 11.
The speeches by Masrour Barzani and Qubad Talabani underline the extent to which relations with Baghdad dominate the platforms of both major Kurdish parties, with each seeking to portray itself as the stronger defender of Kurdistan’s financial and constitutional rights in the Iraqi capital.