PUK 222's Agenda and Strategy for the Upcoming Iraqi Parliamentary Elections

Reports 01:17 PM - 2025-10-23

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The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) emphasised the necessity of correcting the course of relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government. While financial disputes between the KRG and Baghdad persist, President Bafel Jalal Talabani has committed his full efforts to safeguarding the financial rights and entitlements of citizens in the Kurdistan Region through measured dialogue and carefully considered decisions, all within the framework of the constitution.

Below is the PUK’s Agenda and Strategy for the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections:

Introduction

Following the fall of the dictatorial regime, federal Iraq took important and effective steps—particularly under the leadership and vision of President Mam Jalal—toward national unity, fostering a climate of political stability and security that encompassed all factions, structures, and diverse interests of the Iraqi people.

Within the framework of the Iraqi state, and as a federal entity under Article 121 of the Constitution, the Kurdistan Region established constitutional institutions in which the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has played a pivotal role.

Now, after more than two decades, Iraq faces major crises and challenges, while the Kurdistan Region continues to confront significant financial, administrative, and political constraints—particularly in areas such as governance, equitable distribution of revenues, salary entitlements, and other benefits.

Over time, these problems, arising from unjust political practices, have become entrenched, weakening Kurdish rights, national dignity, and constitutional guarantees, and rendering the future increasingly uncertain.
Nonetheless, under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the PUK has dedicated all its energies to securing the legitimate financial and political rights of the people of Kurdistan through responsible dialogue and informed decision-making within constitutional frameworks, while simultaneously preserving shared interests and strengthening constructive cooperation with partners in Baghdad.

From the perspective of the PUK and President Bafel, Baghdad remains the strategic capital for the region, and achieving the region’s financial and political rights is possible only through negotiation and understanding. These rights, inherited from Mam Jalal, continue to be safeguarded by the PUK under strong and visionary leadership.

Program Direction

The PUK directs its electoral appeal towards Baghdad, emphasising that it is the only legitimate party capable of advancing and implementing the demands of the Kurdish people. Guided by principles of peace, wisdom, self-restraint, and strict adherence to the Constitution, the PUK will work to ensure that salaries are paid fairly and in accordance with established conditions, confidently paving the way for effective engagement with Baghdad.

Program Goal

Achieving salary reform, resolving constitutional issues and disputes over rights, unifying salary standards, and providing services without discrimination across every part of Kurdistan—free from envy or personal animosity—requires a steadfast and capable force. The PUK is committed to ensuring freedoms, safeguarding security and well-being, protecting the dignity, property, and identity of citizens, and preserving the highest Kurdish identity. Under the resolute leadership of Bafel Jalal Talabani and with the PUK’s long history of dedication, these objectives will be delivered, fulfilling the party’s pledges to the people.

Political and Diplomatic Affairs

Unhealthy political infighting, narrow self-interest, tyranny, party elitism, superficial displays of power, and artificial ostentation have severely undermined the political and diplomatic standing of the Kurdistan Region.

Salaries and legitimate financial entitlements essential for citizens’ livelihoods have often been sacrificed for political manoeuvring, leaving employees and ordinary citizens hostage to bargaining, while the market and overall standard of living have deteriorated sharply.

Addressing this historical burden can only be achieved by a party of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan’s (PUK) stature, particularly under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, who has consistently demonstrated a strong capacity to deliver tangible achievements and a high level of diplomatic skill in unifying key issues affecting the Kurdish people.

Key Achievements:

1. Resolving Salary Uncertainty: Policy differences and attempts to personalise disputes between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad outside the constitutional framework repeatedly left citizens’ salaries uncertain. Despite his many party responsibilities, President Bafel Jalal Talabani prioritised resolving this issue during successive visits and meetings in Baghdad. Eventually, a decision was reached to disburse employees’ salaries, marking a major breakthrough in addressing the salary crisis and creating potential to resolve remaining issues.

2. Correcting Governance and Ending Authoritarian Politics: The PUK successfully corrected the path of governance and ended the politics of expansionism and authoritarianism during the Kurdistan Parliament elections. By ensuring no single party could secure a 50+1 majority, the PUK safeguarded the formation of a service-oriented government through a genuinely democratic process.

3. Restoring Kirkuk’s Identity: After the referendum, Kirkuk faced uncertainty and the risk of conflict. Through the will of the voters and the diplomatic efforts of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the PUK succeeded in electing a Kurdish governor, restoring the city’s identity and establishing peace, coexistence, and service as guiding principles. This fulfilled the vision of President Mam Jalal.

4. Electoral Law Reform: After years of marginalisation and a rigid electoral law, President Bafel and the PUK successfully amended the law to favour the people of Kurdistan. This ensured that communities could freely elect their genuine representatives to the Kurdistan Parliament.

5. Recognition of Halabja as Iraq’s 19th Province: As a moral and administrative reparation for the martyred city of Halabja, President Bafel, through tireless diplomatic efforts and coordination with the PUK parliamentary bloc, secured recognition of Halabja as Iraq’s 19th province.

6. Countering Baseless Accusations: Despite opponents levelling unfounded claims about the PUK’s domestic and foreign relations, the party maintained a national Kurdish policy based on balance, friendship, and peaceful engagement with political forces, neighbouring countries, and the international community, effectively dispelling all false claims.

7. Upholding Representation of Diverse Communities: The PUK has consistently ensured fair representation of Iraq’s diverse communities in its diplomatic missions and international delegations, safeguarding the Kurdistan Region’s interests responsibly and inclusively.

Resolving the Issue of Forming a Government in Baghdad

Building on its strategic achievements and other important initiatives, the PUK, through the Iraqi parliamentary elections, seeks to address several vital questions affecting citizens’ lives and to lay the groundwork for the next Iraqi government:

1. The PUK aims, within the framework of shared sovereignty under the Constitution, to resolve issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government—particularly those concerning salaries and financial entitlements for regional employees—ensuring that no citizen or government worker is neglected or exploited as a pawn in partisan conflicts.

2. To establish a just and balanced government in Iraq that respects the constitutional and financial rights of the Kurdistan Region, while unifying Kurdish voices to administer and safeguard the rights and benefits of the people.

3. To rebuild and strengthen diplomatic relations with Baghdad and neighbouring countries, preserving the region’s status and reputation, preventing external regional and administrative disputes, and maintaining Iraq’s security and full autonomy.

4. To provide political freedoms and open platforms for public participation in political and democratic processes both within the Kurdistan Region and across Iraq.

Relations Between the Region and Baghdad

Restoring and maintaining constructive relations between the KRG and the federal government remains a key priority. In this relationship, populist rhetoric, demagoguery, and empty slogans must not prevail; a radical and practical approach is required to address ongoing challenges.

1. Implementation of Constitutional Provisions: Ensure full application of all constitutional articles, particularly those safeguarding the rights of the Kurdistan Region.

2. Continuous and Constructive Dialogue: Maintain ongoing dialogue with the federal government to resolve outstanding disputes, including issues related to Kirkuk, areas outside the Kurdistan Region’s administration, the Region’s share of the federal budget, and matters concerning the Peshmerga forces.

3. Genuine Partnership in Federal Decisions: Guarantee effective participation and representation in federal ministries, security agencies, federal bodies, and diplomatic missions abroad, ensuring the Kurdistan Region has a meaningful voice in national governance.

4. Oil and Gas Law: Advocate for the passage of an oil and gas law that respects the rights of the Kurdistan Region, clearly defines powers, and ensures constitutional justice for all parties involved.

Iraq’s Foreign Relations

Iraq occupies a strategic geopolitical position in the surrounding region. In recent years, it has increasingly become a stage for conflicts involving regional and international powers. To uphold the national prestige of all Iraqi communities, it is essential that Iraq’s foreign policy remains balanced, harmonious, respectful of sovereignty, and resistant to foreign interference in internal affairs.

The PUK seeks to:

1. Develop a Balanced Foreign Policy: Formulate a foreign policy grounded in strategic balance that safeguards Iraq’s national prestige.

2. Promote Diplomacy and Peace: Actively participate in resolving regional and international issues through diplomatic and peaceful means.

3. Prevent Regional Conflicts: Ensure Iraq is not drawn into regional conflicts, while preserving its dignity and enhancing its positive influence.

4. Activate Economic Diplomacy: Promote economic diplomacy to attract investment and increase Iraq’s participation in the global market.

5. Strengthen Bilateral Relations: Foster strong relations with neighbouring countries and the international community based on mutual respect.

6. Empower Parliamentary Oversight: Enable the Iraqi parliament to effectively monitor foreign affairs and oversee the implementation of treaties.

Administrative, Financial, and Economic Sector

The PUK, even within the Kurdistan Parliament, has reaffirmed its commitment to its joint programme with the government parties, focusing on effective implementation in administrative oversight, eliminating bureaucratic red tape, and preventing any discrimination between cities and regions. The goal is to ensure that citizens across the Kurdistan Region can live freely and independently, without interference from partisan interests.

Key measures include:

1. Eliminating Bureaucratic Red Tape and Discrimination: Prevent administrative inefficiencies, political distribution, and regional discrimination, ensuring citizens can live freely and exercise their rights fully.

2. Judicial and Administrative Independence: Safeguard the independence of the judiciary and the wider administrative system.

3. Equal Distribution and Transparency: Promote fair distribution of administrative positions, simplify procedures, prioritise citizen services, and develop a transparent strategy for public welfare.

4. Financial Oversight and Revenue Management: Strengthen customs administration, curb illegal oil trade, ensure full transparency in the Region’s revenues, and engage in negotiations with Baghdad to resolve the Kurdistan Region’s financial challenges.

Disputed Areas and Article 140

The disputed areas addressed under Article 140 remain a highly strategic priority for the PUK. As in previous years, all efforts are being made to restore these areas through constitutional means. The PUK seeks to secure the financial, political, and social rights of the people in these areas and fully reintegrate them into the sacred land of Kurdistan.

Key measures include:

1. Expanding Services in Regional Administrations: Following the return of Kirkuk and the establishment of Kurdish administration there, the PUK aims to provide expanded services across all regional administrations and unify citizens’ personal documents, a goal achievable only by a strong and capable force like the PUK.

2. Activating Article 140: Strengthen efforts to implement Article 140 as a constitutional right for the Kurdish people, ensuring that all its provisions are applied to guarantee the rights of Iraq’s diverse communities.

3. Improving Administration and Resisting Demographic Manipulation: Continue administrative work in Kirkuk and other areas, implement projects to deliver and expand services, improve institutional performance, and resist demographic manipulation or internal identity conflicts.

4. Resolving Ownership and Citizens’ Rights Issues: Under the firm leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, resolve disputes related to property, assets, and citizens’ rights in Kirkuk and all disputed areas, returning rights to their rightful owners.

Freedom of the Press

The PUK is committed to securing a broad space for media freedom in the Kurdistan Region. The media and free voices must act as a genuine fourth estate, empowered to monitor, critique, and contribute to development. Pens and voices alike must be protected and able to express themselves freely.

Key objectives include:

1. Training and Capacity-Building: Establish relationships with international organisations to provide training and professional development courses for journalists.

2. Support for Threatened Journalists: Create a hotline or support service for journalists facing threats, harassment, or intimidation.

3. Equal Rights for Journalists: Ensure that journalists in Kurdistan receive the same rights and privileges as their counterparts in other parts of Iraq, including access to land grants, bank loans, and other benefits.

4. Support for a Free Press: Promote and safeguard a free or independent press throughout the Kurdistan Region.

5. Legal Protection for Journalists: Introduce specific legislation to protect journalists from arbitrary punishment, ensuring their safety and security, particularly in cases previously referred to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Youth and Women

Youth and women are at the heart of structural change within the PUK. Under the leadership of a young and determined woman, they are expected to play a central role in social, political, and economic life.

Our Plans:

1-Offering affordable education in colleges and institutes, in line with practices across Iraq.

2-Facilitating access for youth to international universities and providing scholarships.

3-Expanding the start-up initiative for Kurdistan’s youth by utilising the Iraqi government’s annual funding for small-scale youth projects, an initiative currently on the Deputy Prime Minister’s agenda.

4-Establishing a digital labour market connecting Kurdistan with other Iraqi cities and international hubs to encourage cross-border employment opportunities.

5-Enabling annual participation of the Region’s youth in international festivals within Iraq or representing Iraq abroad.

6-Creating co-working spaces for young programmers and designers across cities in the Kurdistan Region, in coordination with the Iraqi government.

7-Empowering youth and women to play an active role in political life and strengthening confidence in their ability to assume senior party and governmental roles.

8-Providing further opportunities for Kurdistan’s youth to pursue higher education abroad through federal institutions, agencies, and the Federal Ministry of Higher Education.

The PUK’s Vision for Governance

The PUK considers the establishment of good governance, both in the Kurdistan Region and throughout Iraq, to be of paramount importance. The party emphasises that the government must be service-oriented, citizen-centred, and committed to ensuring an equal standard of living for all people of Kurdistan and Iraq.

From the PUK’s perspective:

1. Transcending Regional Affiliation: The government must rise above regional loyalties, with the Kurdistan Region and federal authorities jointly responsible for the fair distribution of services and rights.

2. Salaries and Benefits as Constitutional Responsibilities: Salaries, benefits, and employment obligations must be treated as routine constitutional matters, with both regional and federal authorities jointly ensuring their implementation.

3. Addressing Social and Institutional Issues: Property management, the welfare of orphans, salary harmonisation, the rights of political prisoners, and healthcare services must all be addressed within constitutional limits, avoiding sectarian or political conflicts.

4. Dignity for Victims: A dignified life must be guaranteed for victims of chemical attacks, genocide, Yazidis, and martyrs.

5. Oil and Gas Management: The PUK aims to implement a new roadmap for managing Iraq’s oil and gas sector: a constitutionally grounded, transparently overseen law ensuring revenues benefit all citizens rather than serving as a monopoly. The plan also includes gradually diversifying sources of income, reducing dependence on oil, and enhancing agriculture and water management.

6. Utilising Natural Resources: Iraq, in general, and Kurdistan in particular, possess natural, touristic, and agricultural resources, as well as fertile land. These advantages provide the foundation for building a prosperous, thriving, and advanced nation.

The Health Sector

Health is one of the essential sectors that directly influences societal progress.

The PUK considers the following elements pivotal:

1. Regulation of Health Services: Implement a special law to regulate health services and provide necessary support.

2. Patient Rights and Medical Services: Ensure the provision of medical services and protect the rights of patients, particularly those with special needs.

3. Affordable Treatment and Preventive Care: Provide treatment at minimal cost while organising effective preventive care measures.

4. Public Health Reform: Focus on reforms that prevent citizens from needing to seek treatment abroad.

5. Medical Education and Infrastructure: Establish medical colleges, nursing institutions, and health infrastructure to address gaps in cities, towns, and rural areas.

6. Health Awareness: Raise citizens’ awareness of health, nutrition, clean water, and preventive measures.

7. Medical Staff and Drug Control: Improve the quality of medical personnel and strengthen the regulation of pharmaceuticals.

8. Health Conferences: Hold annual health conferences in Kurdistan provinces to present progress and share best practices.

The Agricultural, Water, and Livestock Sector

This sector requires stability and a renewed system to ensure that agriculture, water resources, and livestock in the Kurdistan Region become strong, sustainable, and independent.

Key measures include:

1. Supporting Agriculture: Provide farmers with the necessary logistics and restore agriculture’s central role in the Region.

2. Sustainable Rural Development: Offer resources and opportunities for farmers to return to their villages and develop agriculture and livestock sustainably.

3. Promoting Local Production: Focus on marketing locally produced goods and reducing reliance on imported agricultural inputs.

4. Agricultural Financing: Provide loans to farmers to implement agricultural projects.

5. Specialised Workshops: Establish workshops dedicated to agricultural production and livestock breeding.

6. Protecting Agricultural Land: Prevent the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural or residential purposes.

7. Farmer Awareness and Training: Raise awareness among farmers, provide guidance, and introduce innovative methods to increase productivity.

8. Supporting Border and Rural Areas: Prioritise border villages, local shops, and other small communities.

9. Water and Energy Projects: Develop new outlets for water projects, small hydropower, and electricity generation.

10. Beekeeping Support: Strengthen the beekeeping sector and ensure the needs of beekeepers are fully met.


Here’s a polished British-English version of your Tourism Sector section, formatted with numbered points for clarity and consistency:

Tourism Sector

The Kurdistan Region, with its diverse geography and natural features, is highly suited for all types of tourism, which can stimulate economic growth and foster cultural and artistic connections with visitors and other countries.

Key measures include:

1. Promoting Kurdistan as a Tourist Destination: Highlight the Region’s natural, historical, religious, mountainous, and sacred sites to attract visitors to all provinces.

2. Tourism Awareness: Develop a comprehensive plan to educate citizens and site owners about tourism and enhance their ability to welcome visitors.

3. Tourism Units in Hotels and Sites: Coordinate with universities, institutes, and regional tourism authorities to establish dedicated tourism units at hotels and tourist sites.

4. Encouraging Investment: Promote investment opportunities for those interested in developing the tourism sector.

5. Sports and Cultural Tourism: Increase focus on sports, mountain tourism, cultural festivals, and events in tourist areas.

6. Artistic and Musical Activities: Organise concerts, festivals, and artistic activities along tourist routes to attract visitors.

7. Tourism Infrastructure: Build stadiums, sports halls, and modern hotels in tourist areas, ensuring the provision of essential services.

8. Tourism as an Economic Driver: Ensure that tourist sites become major sources of income for the Region.

The Education Sector

Education forms a fundamental foundation for building a prosperous nation. The PUK, as a progressive and modern party, believes that education must be modern, sustainable, and aligned with the needs of the labour market and contemporary technology.

Key measures include:

1. Increased Budget Allocation: Advocate for a higher federal budget allocation for education in the Kurdistan Region to guarantee teachers’ salaries, rehabilitate schools, and provide necessary educational supplies.

2. Modernising Educational Programs: Support the renewal of educational programs across Iraq, focusing on critical thinking, technology, scientific development, and equal opportunities, particularly in disadvantaged or conflict-affected areas.

3. University Independence and Research Development: Ensure the independence of universities, promote scientific research, and align higher education with labour market needs.

4. Mother-Tongue Education: Protect and promote education in the mother tongue of ethnic groups, including Kurdish, Turkmen, and Syriac, in accordance with constitutional provisions.

Environment and Climate Change

The PUK is committed to developing a national policy for environmental protection, climate change adaptation, and the promotion of green resources.

Key measures include:

1. Environmental Legislation: Enact and coordinate environmental laws at the federal level in line with international standards.

2. Afforestation and Reforestation: Support major national tree-planting and reforestation projects, particularly in desert and semi-arid areas that affect the interior of the Region.

3. Renewable Energy Promotion: Encourage the use of renewable energy sources, including solar and wind power.

4. Support for Renewable Projects: Provide legal and financial assistance for renewable energy initiatives.

5. Budget Allocation: Allocate the necessary funding for environmental and climate change projects within the Iraqi general budget.

6. Environmental Awareness: Raise public awareness about environmental protection and climate change through educational curricula and nationwide campaigns.

Human Rights and Social Justice

The PUK is committed to establishing the foundations of human rights, equality, and social justice for all Iraqi citizens, irrespective of ethnicity, sect, religion, or belief.

Key measures include:

1. Legislation Against Discrimination: Implement laws that protect human rights and eliminate all forms of discrimination and exclusion.

2. Judicial Independence: Support the independence of the judiciary and legal oversight to ensure fairness and impartiality in the courts.

3. Combating Abuse and Corruption: Enact stronger laws to tackle child abuse, human trafficking, corruption, and other societal wrongdoings.

4. Oversight and Monitoring: Strengthen and activate oversight and monitoring bodies to uphold justice and accountability.

5. Protection of Women and Children: Draft and implement laws to safeguard the rights of women and children, confront violence, provide community services for victims, and protect freedom of expression, the press, and assembly as fundamental pillars of democracy.

Social, Cultural, and Artistic Policy

The PUK views Iraq’s religious and sectarian diversity as a source of cultural richness and unity. Culture and art are central to identity and conscience.

Key measures include:

1. Promoting Culture and Heritage: Protect and promote culture, art, and heritage across Iraq, including initiatives for both women and men, in cities and rural areas.

2. Interfaith Dialogue: Respect multiple religions and rituals, support interfaith dialogue, and combat extremism and sectarianism.

3. Funding for Culture: Increase the budget of the Ministry of Culture and cultural institutions at the federal level, and allocate special funds for cultural projects in the Kurdistan Region and other cities.

4. Preserving Heritage Sites: Strive to preserve Iraq’s historical and cultural sites, including those listed as World Heritage Sites.

5. Supporting Artists: Provide financial and moral support to artists, writers, directors, and theatre professionals across Iraq.

6. Cultural Exchange: Encourage cultural exchange with other countries and promote the cultural wealth of Kurdistan and Iraq globally.

7. Diversity as Heritage: Preserve cultural, religious, and artistic diversity as a symbolic and integral part of the Iraqi people’s richness.

Oil, Gas, Budget, and Revenue

The PUK believes that, regarding oil, gas, and the Kurdistan Region’s share of federal revenues, the Iraqi federal government should:

1. Transparency in Revenues: Implement full transparency in oil and gas revenues and expenditures.

2. Federal Oil and Gas Law: Enact a federal law that guarantees the rights of all communities and regions.

3. Diversification of Income: Work to diversify sources of income and reduce dependence on oil by developing agriculture, industry, and tourism.

4. Constitutional Budget Share: Ensure that the Kurdistan Region receives its full constitutional share of the Iraqi general budget without unfair deductions.

5. Financial Oversight: Strengthen auditing and financial oversight institutions to prevent corruption and the illicit extraction of public funds.

Security and Stability

The PUK places great importance on maintaining security and stability in the Kurdistan Region and throughout Iraq.

Key measures include:

1. Peshmerga Forces: Preserve and train the Peshmerga as an integral part of Iraq’s defence system and as guardians of the Region’s territorial sovereignty.

2. Coordination with Iraqi Forces: Strengthen security cooperation with Iraqi forces to combat terrorism and maintain border stability.

3. Peaceful Resolution of Conflicts: Address internal issues in the Region and across Iraq through dialogue and political mechanisms, avoiding violence.

4. Political and Administrative Stability: Ensure the continuity of political and administrative stability in the Region and Iraq, while resisting foreign interference.

Conclusion

The PUK, under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, is committed to implementing its pledges. This programme represents a foundational plan that can only be realised through the PUK.

As we have consistently promised, we will work to fulfil these commitments without hesitation. We place our trust in Almighty God and in the strong will of our people to uphold this programme and achieve all their aspirations.



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