The Kurds agree on a single candidate for the presidency… a significant step that could end the political chaos.
The Kurds agree on a single candidate for the presidency… a significant step that could end the political chaos.
2-17-2026
Information/Report…
The Iraqi political scene is witnessing intense activity regarding the presidential election, amid increasing pressure to fulfill constitutional requirements in a way that strengthens political stability and ensures respect for the constitution. This activity involves reaching preliminary understandings that would allow for the selection of a consensus candidate representing all Kurdish parties before heading to Baghdad, in a move aimed at ending the political deadlock and rearranging priorities within the federal government.
Mayada al-Najjar, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, affirmed on Tuesday that the position of President of the Republic is one of the most important sovereign positions in the country due to its direct connection to protecting the constitution and ensuring adherence to its implementation, stressing that this position has become a stable political custom for the Kurds.
Al-Najjar told Al-Maalomah that “no candidate for this position can be put forward by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan or other Kurdish forces without a comprehensive Kurdish political consensus,” noting that “a unified Kurdish position is a fundamental condition for resolving the entitlement and preventing a recurrence of previous disputes that affected the formation of the federal authorities.”
She added that “former President Barham Salih did not achieve any tangible accomplishments during his time in office,” stressing that “the next phase requires a figure with a political vision capable of strengthening the balance of power and consolidating constitutional stability.” She also noted that “the ongoing dialogues between the Kurdish forces are witnessing significant progress, amidst efforts to reach a consensus candidate who enjoys unified support before heading to Baghdad.”
In a related context, Jamal Khalil, a member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, confirmed that “political consultations between his party and the Kurdistan Democratic Party are still ongoing,” noting that “significant progress has been made, resulting in an agreement in broad outlines to go to Baghdad with a single candidate for the presidency.”
Khalil explained that “both sides are seeking to accelerate the pace of meetings and bring viewpoints closer, given their awareness of the importance of unifying the Kurdish position within Baghdad to enhance the chances of national consensus in the upcoming constitutional entitlements,” indicating that “agreeing on a single candidate represents clear progress compared to previous stages that witnessed a divergence in proposals, and it will be officially announced after the completion of understandings related to balances and alliances within Parliament.”
These developments come at a time when the Iraqi public is awaiting a decisive step towards ending the political deadlock, amid expectations that the anticipated Kurdish agreement will contribute to expediting the presidential election and strengthening internal political stability, while keeping the presidential file under the scrutiny of all political forces to ensure a comprehensive national consensus.
almaalomah.me
