The KDP election campaign officially launched on Sunday, marking a significant moment in Iraq’s political calendar. Under the slogan “Partnership, Balance, and Agreement,” the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) held its opening event in Erbil.
President Masoud Barzani led the event and addressed party members, supporters, and candidates. He called for a calm and respectful campaign season. The speech also included criticism of Baghdad’s long-standing failure to implement Iraq’s Constitution.
Barzani emphasized the importance of democratic participation. Therefore, he urged citizens in the Kurdistan Region to vote in large numbers this November. Iraq’s election campaign period, meanwhile, runs from October 3 to November 8. After that, special voting begins on November 9, followed by the general election on November 11.
Moreover, the KDP election campaign features 175 candidates, the highest number of any party. Specifically, the list includes 61 candidates from Nineveh province, the KDP’s largest share in any constituency. In addition, President Barzani expressed satisfaction with the party’s inclusion of Arab and Turkmen candidates. He noted that this diversity reflects the KDP’s principles and growing strength.
Top Kurdish leaders attended the launch event, including President Nechirvan Barzani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani. Both serve as deputies in the party. Their presence reinforced the KDP’s unity heading into the elections.
In Salahaddin and Diyala provinces, the KDP is fielding candidates through the Azm Alliance. This Sunni-led coalition is headed by Muthanna al-Samarrai. The move expands KDP influence beyond its traditional Kurdish base.
Currently, the KDP holds 31 seats in Iraq’s parliament. It remains the strongest Kurdish faction, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) with 17 seats.
During his speech, Barzani sharply criticized successive Iraqi governments. He cited their failure to implement Article 140 and other constitutional provisions. Barzani stressed that unresolved issues between Erbil and Baghdad must be addressed through the Constitution.
He argued that Iraq is a federal state, not a centralized one. No single party should dominate decision-making. Barzani called for real partnership among Iraq’s diverse communities, in line with Article 1 of the Constitution.
The launch of the KDP election campaign comes shortly after a breakthrough oil deal. The Kurdistan Region resumed exports via Turkiye’s Ceyhan Port following an agreement with Baghdad. This follows a court ruling that halted exports in March 2023.
According to Iraq’s election commission, 7,768 candidates are running nationwide. They include 5,520 men and 2,248 women. Voters will choose 329 lawmakers, with nine seats reserved for minority groups.
Over 21 million Iraqis are eligible to vote. More than 39,000 polling stations will be available across the country. Special arrangements have been made for displaced voters in camps.
As the election nears, the KDP election campaign seeks to expand its influence while pushing for a more balanced and constitutional Iraq.
