The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) emerged as the leading party in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region in the latest parliamentary elections, securing 39 out of 100 seats, the election commission announced on Wednesday. The result means the KDP, led by Massoud Barzani, will lead the semi-autonomous region’s next government. Long-time coalition partner Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) came in second with 23 seats, reflecting the historic rivalry between the two main Kurdish parties.
Turnout among registered voters was reported at 72%. The 100-member parliament specifically allocates five seats to minorities, with the remaining 95 seats contested by Kurdish parties and rebel groups. The two ruling parties, KDP and PUK, which have jointly ruled the region since 1992, are expected to maintain control of the regional government. However, the election results show that the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s position is stronger.
Originally scheduled for 2022, the election was postponed due to disagreements between the KDP and PUK over political issues, with analysts suggesting this could complicate the process of forming a new government. are.
The main Kurdish opposition party, New Generation, came a distant third, winning 15 seats. Analysts and local officials expect friction to continue as the KDP and PUK negotiate the terms of the next government.
