Iraq’s political process faces a serious halt due to the Kurdish presidency dispute. Sheikh Hammam Hamoudi, head of Iraq’s Islamic Supreme Council, urged all parties to resolve the issue immediately. He explained that delays in choosing a presidential candidate are slowing the prime minister nomination.
“The Kurds are our partners with a shared project. The Kurdish presidency dispute is causing delays in appointing the prime minister,” Hamoudi said at a dialogue forum. He encouraged Kurdish leaders to engage with the framework initiative and act without wasting time.
Hamoudi also warned against foreign interference in Iraq’s political affairs. “Allowing outside involvement under any pretext could invite long-term interference in all our matters. Iraq’s independence and dignity come first,” he stressed.
The Shiite Coordination Framework is seeking to use the pause productively. Hamoudi added that they are negotiating with the United States on a state-to-state level. The discussions follow mutual respect while addressing differences.
He highlighted Iraq’s growing challenges. The country needs a strong, cooperative national government, inclusive of all major forces, and ready to meet the demands of the next stage.
Since the Nov. 11 elections, Iraq has struggled with government formation. Parliament must elect a president first, who then tasks a nominee to form the government. Multiple sessions have been postponed, and the constitutional deadline has passed.
However, Iraq follows an informal power-sharing system established in 2003. Traditionally, Kurds hold the presidency, Shiite Arabs the prime ministership, and Sunni Arabs the speakership. The deadlock stems from disagreement between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
In addition, The KDP insists the presidency should go to the largest Kurdish bloc. KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani told Sky News Arabic, “Just as Sunnis assign the parliamentary speaker to the largest party, and Shiites give the prime ministership to the largest bloc, the largest Kurdish force should take the presidency.” The KDP nominated Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein.
As well as, The PUK maintains that the presidency belongs to them. Harem Kamal Agha, head of the PUK parliamentary bloc, said the KDP already secured the second deputy speaker. He added that the position of president should go to the Patriotic Union.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has met Kurdish leaders in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to break the deadlock. The Coordination Framework urged a swift resolution, warning that continued delays are incompatible with Iraq’s urgent challenges.
The Kurdish presidency dispute continues to block progress, increasing pressure on Iraqi leaders to secure stability and complete government formation.
