Baghdad – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has approved a plan to improve Turkmen representation in Kirkuk elections. This move aims to transfer Turkmen employees to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) office in Kirkuk. The goal is to ensure balanced and fair participation in the upcoming November elections.
MP Arshad al-Salihi shared with Shafaq News that he formally requested the reassignment of staff from several government departments. He explained this step promotes fairness and neutrality during the electoral process.
According to a statement from al-Salihi’s office, the transfer directly addresses repeated concerns about the lack of adequate Turkmen representation. It aims to guarantee equity within the election commission.
Although the prime minister’s directive has reached most ministries, some departments have yet to fully implement it. However, al-Salihi expects the transfers to complete within the next few days.
His office has also encouraged employees interested in transferring to formally submit requests through the proper administrative channels. Officials have assured that all requests will follow the required legal and administrative procedures.
The Turkmen community, numbering between 2 and 3 million, ranks as Iraq’s third-largest ethnic group after Arabs and Kurds. They live across northern and central provinces, including Nineveh, Saladin, Diyala, and Baghdad. Despite this, Kirkuk remains the heart of their political efforts.
Kirkuk is an oil-rich and ethnically mixed city. Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen all claim it as their own. Many Turkmen see Kirkuk as their cultural and historical capital, making the upcoming elections especially important.
Thus, improving Turkmen representation in Kirkuk elections could impact the city’s future political balance. The effort signals a growing recognition of the Turkmen community’s role in Iraq’s democratic process.
Thus, improving Turkmen representation in Kirkuk elections could impact the city’s future political balance. The effort signals a growing recognition of the Turkmen community’s role in Iraq’s democratic process. Many hope this move will lead to more inclusive governance in Kirkuk.
