Military operations are intensifying in Iraq’s eastern governorate of Diyala to eliminate remaining terrorist elements hiding in the mountains and remote areas.
However, political disputes among different factions are delaying the appointment of a governor, even 40 days after the local election results were approved last December.
Diyala, bordering Iran, has a diverse population, but political factions have yet to agree on a governor.
Observers say Diyala’s situation is even more complicated than Kirkuk’s, where political disagreements have also stalled the appointment of a governor.
While Kirkuk’s governor selection involves agreement among Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen, in Diyala, seven political groups are competing for the position. Within these groups, there are internal struggles among Sunni and Shiite factions.
While some doubt the possibility of a quick agreement among political factions to form a local authority, a source from the State of Law coalition suggests they might settle on Wadhah al-Tamimi as their candidate for governor.
The source explained that al-Tamimi is seen as a compromise due to the failure of political factions to agree on a candidate for over four weeks.
It’s noted that other factions urged the State of Law coalition to present their candidate, as they themselves failed to do so.
Raad al-Mas, a member of the coalition, mentioned they've had four important meetings with political blocs in the Diyala Council in the past 48 hours to present their candidate's agenda.
He added in a statement to the press that the program will focus on social justice, reconstruction projects, aid for the poor, economic growth, fighting corruption, revitalizing job sectors, resolving compensation issues for liberated areas, and resettling displaced families.
However, Osman Mahmood, a council member from the Kurdistan Democratic Party, said in press remarks on Friday that political disagreements over the position persist.
