Kurdistan Democratic Party Says No Longer Boycotting Iraqi Kurdistan Elections

Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechervan Barzani (R), Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) and Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani. (AFP file photo)
Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechervan Barzani (R), Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) and Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani. (AFP file photo)
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Kurdistan Democratic Party Says No Longer Boycotting Iraqi Kurdistan Elections

Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechervan Barzani (R), Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) and Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani. (AFP file photo)
Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Nechervan Barzani (R), Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani (C) and Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani. (AFP file photo)

The Kurdistan Democratic Party, headed by Masoud Barzani, announced that it was no longer going to boycott the Iraqi Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.

The boycott was prompted by objections to the mechanisms related to how to hold the elections.

A KDP official said the party would be taking part in the polls given the changes that have been introduced to the mechanism.

The elections were set for June 10.

The KDP announced the boycott in protest against the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq’s ruling related to the elections, such as eliminating the quota allotted to minorities in the Kurdistan parliament.

The court has since gone back on the ruling.

KDP MP Ekhlas al-Dulaimy told Asharq Al-Awsat that the boycott was sparked by the court rulings and now that some changes have been made, the party will participate in the elections.

She revealed that Kurdistan Region President Nechervan Barzani will issue within two days a decree to set a new date for the elections.

She stressed that the KDP was never against holding the elections or their timing. It had twice called for holding them, however, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan had demanded that they be postponed.

Nechervan Barzani had visited Baghdad following what was described as a successful visit to Iran last month.

In Baghdad, he attended meetings for the State Administration Coalition that backs the government of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani visited Baghdad last week where he met the majority of political and partisan leaderships. He also held talks with Iraqi President Abdul Latif al-Rashid, Sudani and acting parliament Speaker Mohsen al-Mandalawi.



Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
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Al-Mashhadani Emphasizes Strengthening Iraqi-Saudi Relations

Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)
Al-Mashhadani during his meeting with the Saudi Ambassador in Baghdad (Iraqi Parliament)

Iraqi Parliament Speaker Dr. Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani has called for prioritizing stronger ties with Saudi Arabia, citing shared regional interests and the potential for positive outcomes.
During a meeting with Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Al-Shammari, Al-Mashhadani highlighted the importance of Iraqi-Saudi cooperation, particularly in addressing regional challenges. The meeting explored ways to enhance bilateral relations in economic and political spheres while discussing major Arab issues, including the Gaza war, Lebanon’s instability, and changes in Syria.
This comes after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last week in AlUla to address the challenges of the Syrian crisis, regional security, and stability. The summit focused on aligning efforts to tackle broader geopolitical issues and fostering cooperation.
As part of Iraq’s deepening engagement with Gulf countries, Baghdad recently signed numerous agreements with Saudi Arabia through the Saudi-Iraqi Coordination Council. Additionally, Iraq signed two memoranda of understanding with Oman, covering political consultations, economic collaboration, and transportation.
Sudani also received Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who delivered an invitation from Sultan Haitham bin Tariq to visit Oman. Discussions emphasized on enhancing bilateral economic and trade ties, particularly in oil derivatives. Both sides reaffirmed the importance of stability in Syria and the need to preserve its sovereignty and diversity while supporting its people.
In a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Albusaidi underscored the strong cultural and fraternal ties between Iraq and Oman. He noted opportunities for collaboration in tourism, energy, trade, and finance, while underlining his country’s commitment to participate in the Baghdad International Trade Fair in February 2024.
For his part, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein highlighted efforts to abolish visa requirements between Iraq and Oman, expressed hope for inclusive political progress in Syria, and pointed to Iraq’s commitment to further agreements that strengthen bilateral cooperation across various sectors.