Shafaq News/ The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has reaffirmed itsstrong position in the Kurdistan Region, with Ali Hussein, head of the KDP'sAl-Sulaymaniyah and Halabja branches, asserting that the party does not viewitself as a direct competitor to other political factions.
During a press conference on Thursday, Hussein highlighted the KDP'sconsistent influence since 1992, stating, “Our representation has neither increasednor decreased. We have consistently maintained our strong position.” He alsoaddressed concerns about potential election delays, clarifying that “there hasbeen no serious discussion of postponing the elections; they will occur asscheduled.”
Hussein pointed out the KDP’s intention to work with all politicalparties to form an inclusive government post-elections. “We don’t see anypolitical party as a direct rival. All parties compete, and that’s natural,” henoted, reiterating the KDP’s enduring dominance in the region.
Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has scheduled the Kurdistanparliamentary elections for October 20, 2024, rescheduled from June 2024. Theelections will determine 100 lawmakers from Erbil, Halabja, Al-Sulaymaniyah,and Duhok.
The KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have historicallybeen rivals, with their conflict rooted in the late 20th century andcharacterized by both political and military confrontations. The KDP dominatesthe Erbil and Duhok governorates, while the PUK has a stronghold in theAl-Sulaymaniyah governorate.
Despite their rivalry, the KDP and PUK occasionally collaborate onissues related to Kurdish autonomy and rights, though tensions often emergeduring elections and in dealings with the Iraqi government.
In the most recent elections, the KDP secured 32 seats in the IraqiParliament and 45 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament. The PUK obtained 17 seatsin the Iraqi Parliament and 21 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament.