Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) launched its ninth congress in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, with the participation of over 850 members. The congress, spanning two days, focused on internal reforms and leadership elections. Salahaddin Bahaddin was re-elected as the KIU’s General Secretary, and new leadership council members were announced, representing various regions, including Sulaimaniya, Erbil, Duhok, and Kirkuk, following an intense voting process.
Ninth Congress Begins Amid Internal Challenges
The Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) commenced its ninth congress in Erbil, attended by over 850 members, marking an essential event in the party’s political calendar. Founded in 1994, the KIU has held eight previous congresses, with this being the latest in its ongoing efforts to enhance internal organization and address challenges.
According to the congress agenda, the General Secretary position could be contested for two terms. However, due to internal regulations, current General Secretary Salahaddin Bahaddin was expected to face competition if internal reforms were implemented.
The congress convened amidst dissatisfaction within the party. Prominent political bureau members Abubakr Haladany and Abubakr Karwani boycotted the event, highlighting internal disputes. Despite these challenges, the KIU emphasized unity and commitment to reform during the proceedings.
Election Results and Leadership Updates
Following an intense voting process, Salahaddin Bahaddin was re-elected as the KIU’s General Secretary, reaffirming his long-standing leadership role spanning 26 years. During the congress, Bahaddin addressed various issues, including the Kurdish question in Syria. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding Kurdish rights within Syria’s constitutional framework and urged collaboration among Kurdish factions to achieve their objectives.
The voting results for the new leadership council included representatives from key regions across the Kurdistan Region:
Sulaimaniya Representatives:
•Musana Amin: 613 votes
•Osman Karwani: 505 votes
•Nask Tofiq: 499 votes
•Khalil Sleiman: 483 votes
•Salahaddin Babakir: 482 votes
•Mustafa Abdullah: 455 votes
•Sherko Jawdat: 433 votes
•Burhan Muzaffar: 405 votes
•Trifa Jalal: 392 votes
•Hiwa Rafaat: 392 votes
•Hadi Ali: 386 votes
•Sabriya Ghafar: 385 votes
•Samir Salim: 375 votes
•Ismail Khormali: 356 votes
•Hassan Sheikh Abdullah: 350 votes
•Bahar Hadi: 300 votes
•Kheraman Mohammed: 288 votes
Erbil Representatives:
•Ghazi Ali: 361 votes
•Mohammed Hawdiyani: 333 votes
•Hawaz Sheikh Ahmed: 262 votes
Duhok Representatives:
•Saeed Ali Abo: 691 votes
•Khalil Ibrahim: 557 votes
•Ghazi Saeed: 487 votes
•Saeed Suleiman: 423 votes
•Layla Nuri: 445 votes
•Parwin Majid: 418 votes
•S. Jasim: 394 votes
•Sabah Bapiri: 365 votes
•Mohammed Mustafa: 327 votes
Kirkuk Representative:
•Ibrahim Khalil: 264 votes
The congress reinforced its commitment to fostering collective leadership with a team-oriented approach. Salahaddin Bahaddin expressed gratitude to members for their trust and called for greater accountability and collaboration to fulfill party responsibilities.
Reflections on Future Plans
As the congress concluded, Salahaddin Bahaddin addressed the audience, emphasizing the KIU’s mission for the coming years. He highlighted the importance of inclusivity, urging members to remain united regardless of their vote outcomes. Bahaddin also extended his wishes for a prosperous future for the region, expressing hope for peace and stability.
The KIU reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening organizational capacity and working towards the interests of the Kurdish people across the region. The ninth congress marked another milestone in the party’s journey, reflecting its efforts to adapt to the evolving political landscape while addressing internal and external challenges.
