Peregraf- As the preliminary results of the Iraqi parliamentary elections held on November 11, 2025, emerge, the political landscape of the Kurdistan Region—comprising Duhok, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja—has become clearer. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) remains the dominant force, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), while the Kurdistan Islamic Union (Yakgirtu) has secured a strong third position. The Halwest (Stance) Movement has overtaken the New Generation Movement, marking a major reshuffle among the opposition.
According to preliminary figures, of the 46 seats allocated to the Kurdistan Region in the Iraqi Parliament, two are minority quota seats, while the remaining 44 seats are distributed among parties as follows:
Erbil (15 seats): KDP 9, PUK 3, Halwest 2, New Generation 1
Sulaymaniyah (18 seats): PUK 8, Halwest 3, New Generation 2, KDP 2, Yakgirtu 2, Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal) 1
Duhok (11 seats): KDP 9, Yakgirtu 2
Overall, the regional distribution stands at KDP 20, PUK 10, Halwest 5, Yakgirtu 4, New Generation 3, and Komal 1.
On the national level, Kurdish parties collectively secured 58 out of 329 seats in the Iraqi Parliament: KDP 27, PUK 18, Halwest 5, Yakgirtu 4, New Generation 3, and Komal 1.
Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
In 2025, the KDP received a total of 851,412 votes, up from 812,794 in 2024, marking a 4.8% increase.
Duhok: 413,698 votes (up from 402,152 in 2024)
KDP continues to dominate Duhok, maintaining its position as the uncontested ruling force. Its vote share remains overwhelmingly strong, reflecting deep-rooted tribal and political loyalty.
Erbil: 369,118 votes (up from 347,786 in 2024)
Erbil remains a KDP stronghold, with minor gains compared to the last election. While the party retains firm control, smaller opposition parties are beginning to appeal to younger and urban voters.
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 68,596 votes (up from 62,856 in 2024)
Despite traditionally weak presence in PUK territory, the KDP registered modest growth, suggesting improved outreach and voter targeting.
Summary: KDP consolidates dominance in Duhok and Erbil while making cautious inroads in PUK territory.
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK)
The PUK’s total votes fell to 340,623 from 409,548 in 2024, a 16.8% decline.
Duhok: 2,423 votes (down from 28,557 in 2024)
The PUK’s influence in Duhok has nearly disappeared, remaining confined to its traditional southern strongholds. The decline also reflects its strategic but unsuccessful support for a Babylon Movement Christian quota candidate.
Erbil: 97,301 votes (down from 111,102 in 2024)
PUK maintains a limited presence in Erbil, highlighting ongoing challenges in broadening its base beyond Sulaymaniyah-Halabja.
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 240,899 votes (down from 269,889 in 2024)
PUK retains control of its historical strongholds, but the vote loss indicates growing competition from emerging opposition forces such as Halwest and New Generation.
Summary: PUK remains regionally concentrated in Sulaymaniyah-Halabja, facing both voter fatigue and growing opposition within its base.
Kurdistan Islamic Union (Yakgirtu)
Yakgirtu rose from 117,444 votes in 2024 to 166,904 in 2025, a 42.1% increase.
Duhok: 72,959 votes (up from 42,732)
Erbil: 28,650 votes (up from 24,178)
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 65,895 votes (up from 50,534)
The Islamic Union nearly doubled its support in Duhok and recorded steady growth elsewhere, positioning itself as Kurdistan’s emerging third force.
Summary: With a balanced and expanding voter base, Yakgirtu consolidates its role as a consistent and moderate opposition bloc.
New Generation Movement
The New Generation Movement suffered a sharp decline, dropping from 292,032 votes in 2024 to 123,334 in 2025, a 57.8% decrease.
Duhok: 14,671 votes (down from 46,631)
Erbil: 38,911 votes (down from 104,222)
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 69,752 votes (down from 141,149)
The party’s shrinking support reflects internal divisions and diminishing appeal among reform-minded voters. Once the leading opposition, it now trails behind Halwest across all provinces.
Summary: The movement faces a visible collapse of its voter base, especially in urban centers where it previously flourished.
Stance (Halwest) Movement
The Halwest Movement is the election’s most notable success story, soaring from 54,725 votes in 2024 to 156,932 in 2025, a 186.7% surge.
Duhok: 18,314 votes (up from 8,438)
Erbil: 63,288 votes (up from 16,871)
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 75,330 votes (up from 30,699) Halwest’s expansion across all governorates demonstrates growing demand for alternative, reformist voices.
Summary: The Halwest Movement emerges as the standout performer of 2025, transforming from a minor opposition group into a significant regional force.
Kurdistan Justice Group (KJG) or Komal
Komal saw an overall decline from 64,864 votes in 2024 to 49,748 in 2025, a 23.3% decrease.
Duhok: 1,419 votes (down from 3,677 in 2024) Minimal support in KDP territory.
Erbil: 13,772 votes (down from 20,265 in 2024) Minor urban presence.
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 34,557 votes (down from 40,922 in 2024) Decline despite being historically more active in PUK territory.
Summary: Remains a minor party, with small but visible pockets of support, mostly in Sulaymaniyah-Halabja.
People’s Front
The People’s Front also lost ground, falling from 33,461 votes in 2024 to 19,293 in 2025, a 42.4% decrease.
Duhok: 2,788 votes (up from 2,605 in 2024) Negligible presence in Duhok.
Erbil: 5,584 votes (down from 9,776 in 2024) Slight urban presence, but marginal overall.
Sulaymaniyah & Halabja: 10,921 votes (down from 21,080 in 2024) Small reduction, showing limited reach.