PUK Wants a Joint Council in the Disputed Areas

Reports 12:06 PM - 2024-01-02

PUK logo and Kirkuk city in the background.

Despite being the largest ethnic group in Kirkuk province, as evidenced by election data and vote counts, the Kurds are unable to establish provincial local administrations alone.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), which emerged as the top vote-getter in Kirkuk province and is the only party with candidates in all four disputed provinces, has not established any non-negotiable conditions for discussions on the establishment of provincial councils with any political party or community. Following the example set by President Mam Jalal, the PUK aims to create a local government that is inclusive of diverse voices and cultures.

Kirkuk's Governor is the Kurds' Right

Dr. Ahmad Fatih, PUK's candidate in Kirkuk province, told PUKMEDIA: “The negotiations between the communities and parties should start to form the provincial councils and the PUK, which won the most seats in the Kirkuk provincial council, has opened doors to all parties for negotiations.”

"On the path of President Mam Jalal, the PUK supports a diverse and inclusive council, ensuring representation for all communities and political parties. The Kurds, who received the highest number of votes in the province, should rightfully hold the position of the province's governor," he said.

The formation of provincial councils in Nineveh is not easy

Mohammed Jasim, PUK's candidate for the provincial council in Nineveh province, told PUKMEDIA: "The formation of provincial councils is not easy because no party garnered enough votes to form a council alone, however, the negotiations can be intensified and to expedite the establishment of these councils for the benefit of the people."

"An inclusive local administration should be established in Nineveh province, encompassing all communities inside the city and garnering support from all political factions. This will enable the provision of enhanced services to the people," he said.

Kurds play a major role in Diyala

Aws Ibrahim, PUK's candidate for the provincial councils in Diyala province, told PUKMEDIA: "Once the Federal Court approves the election results, it will pave the way for negotiations between the parties. Concerning Diyala province, the Kurds will have a significant influence in the establishment of its provincial council, as both Sunnis and Shiites hold seven seats apiece and require the support of the PUK to make decisions."

"The PUK has not established any strict boundaries or limits for any political party, community, or religious group. Conversely, it desires a diverse local government aligned with President Mam Jalal's aims, since the province's circumstances necessitate such a governing body," Ibrahim said.

The total number of voters in the provincial council elections held in 15 Iraqi provinces on December 16 and 18, 2023 was 16 million 158 thousand 788 voters. The Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) announced the results of the elections on December 28, 2023. The final results of the elections are expected to be approved by the Federal Court in the coming days.

Note* The former Iraqi Ba'ath regime made significant efforts to Arabize all residents of Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Salah ad Din, resulting in ongoing territorial disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. Even though Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution was written in part to address the issue, the legislation has yet to be implemented. 

 

PUKMEDIA