PUK President: PUK Has No Rivals

P.U.K 04:27 PM - 2025-10-18

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani greeting the PUK supporters at the carnival in Sulaymaniyah.

Bafel Jalal Talabani, the President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), inaugurated the first carnival in Sulaymaniyah to introduce the party’s candidates for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections. During the event, President Bafel addressed the PUK’s supporters and the people of Kurdistan, reaffirming that the PUK delivers on its promises and that the PUK’s programme is to correct the shortcomings created by others.

We Must Win More Votes

After introducing the PUK’s List 222 candidates in the constituencies of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Duhok, and Diyala, President Bafel said: “Greetings, Sulaymaniyah... There is one number that matters to you — 222. We have already increased our vote count by 93%, but that is not enough. Whatever number of votes we achieved before, we must surpass it this time. Whatever number of seats we have, we must win more. Do not listen to others — we have no rivals [meaning no one matches the PUK].”

The Party of Martyrs and Heroes

He continued: “The PUK is the party of martyrs and heroes. Never forget who you represent. Mam Jalal and all the heroes of our struggle are waiting for your vote. We can and will succeed.”

Defending the Rights of Kurds in Baghdad

Highlighting the PUK’s mission, President Bafel stated: “There is one key issue in this election — your rights in Baghdad. This is no small matter. Who works for the Kurds in Baghdad? Who wrote the Iraqi Constitution? Who reconciled Iraqis? Which party do our brothers and sisters across Iraq speak of? Comrades, today we begin our journey from Sulaymaniyah to Baghdad. What we are doing now will shape the future of all Iraq.”

The PUK is Your Power in Baghdad

Reaffirming the PUK’s commitment to good governance, he added: “The government must serve the people, and the PUK is your power in Baghdad. We safeguard the security of all parts of Iraq — that is why we are respected and our voice is heard in Baghdad. We know that things are not as they should be, and the PUK’s programme is to correct the shortcomings created by others.”

Commitment to Reform and Service

President Bafel also stressed accountability and reform, saying: “When we promise something, we deliver. We will not be part of any government in Kurdistan unless we are certain that it will correct its mistakes and allow us to serve our people. Kurdistan is better today than it was 20 years ago — but our goal is to make tomorrow better than today.”

Regarding the oil file, President Bafel said: “We have saved the oil file. Now we, Iraq, and the international diplomats are aware of how it is handled.” 

“Today, I speak not only for the PUK, but for all of Kurdistan and Iraq. Seventy percent of our people do not vote — I call on every one of you to go and vote for the PUK, the party that has always stood by you,” he added.

Go Kurds — Go Patriotic Union of Kurdistan

The PUK President called on the people of Kurdistan and Iraq to unite in support of the PUK, stressing that the party represents courage, service, and national responsibility.

President Bafel said: “Iraq belongs to all of us — to the people of Iraq and the people of Kurdistan. Vote for the PUK. Who dares to do what the PUK has done? Who fights every day for all sides? Whose airport was closed because of Kurdism? We are not afraid — the PUK dares and the one who dares stays.”

Turning to the candidates, President Bafel urged them to uphold their duty to the nation: “Your mission is to go to Baghdad and serve Kurdistan and Iraq. Most importantly, I see this new generation filling the hall today because they know who has the courage and dares. So if you don't fulfil your duties well, I assure you, I will not accept it.”

Concluding his speech, President Bafel made an appeal to PUK supporters and the people of Kurdistan: “I call upon you to turn the ballot boxes green. Go Kurds — Go Patriotic Union of Kurdistan...”

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with list number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with list number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



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