At the MERI Forum in Erbil, Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), expressed his commitment to uniting political parties in the Kurdistan Region and reinforcing citizens’ trust in governance. Talabani emphasized that recent elections have set the stage for change, while stressing the need for a strong opposition to ensure accountability. Talabani also outlined his vision for a unified, citizen-centered government, urging collaboration among parties to form a stable coalition that addresses longstanding regional issues.
Bafel Talabani on Election Success and Coalition Building
During the second day of the Middle East Research Institute (MERI) Forum in Erbil, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Bafel Jalal Talabani underscored the PUK’s successful performance in the recent parliamentary elections, emphasizing his party’s determination to bring positive change to the Kurdistan Region. According to Talabani, the PUK’s strategic campaign approach resulted in a significant increase in voter support across diverse regions, helping the party stand as a stronger force.
“We successfully broke from conventional approaches, prioritizing citizens’ participation and trust in the electoral process,” Talabani stated, referring to the PUK’s strategies to encourage voter turnout and restore confidence. He noted that while various parties differed in campaign tactics, the PUK focused on creating a supportive environment that allowed citizens to feel their voices mattered. Talabani expressed satisfaction with the results, stating that the PUK secured over 95% support and performed strongly across the Kurdistan Region, positioning the party as a formidable contender for the next government formation.
The election results have necessitated the formation of a coalition government in the 100-seat Kurdistan parliament, as no single party secured a majority. With the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) winning 39 seats and the PUK 23, discussions to build alliances are underway. Talabani emphasized his readiness to collaborate with all political parties, seeking to avoid delays in the government formation process. “We are open to forming a government that reflects citizens’ needs, and we hope to establish partnerships based on mutual respect and shared objectives,” he remarked. However, he warned that the PUK would not wait indefinitely for cooperation and that constructive engagement among parties would be essential to achieve a stable government.
A Call for Strong Opposition and Checks on Authority
Talabani emphasized the importance of establishing a strong opposition in the Kurdistan Region, noting that effective governance requires diverse voices to hold the government accountable. He urged smaller parties to take on their role as watchdogs within the political system, asserting that change must arise from within and not through external intervention. “Every country needs a strong opposition,” Talabani said, stressing that opposition parties bear the responsibility of scrutinizing government actions to ensure transparency and integrity.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the dominance of single-party governance in previous administrations, Talabani highlighted the PUK’s intent to foster a democratic environment where multiple voices are respected. He acknowledged the challenges of past administrations, where the absence of a unified leadership and coordinated discourse limited the PUK’s effectiveness. In his remarks, Talabani criticized the use of government resources for electoral gain, expressing disappointment in how certain parties allegedly distributed funds, gifts, and projects to secure votes.
Talabani also addressed his plans to transform governance in the Kurdistan Region by shifting away from authoritarian practices. “Our party has worked to dismantle the legacy of self-imposing authority,” he said, highlighting the need to build a government that serves all citizens without discrimination. Talabani called for an end to judicial interference, underscoring the PUK’s commitment to reinforcing legal institutions in the region. He vowed to restore public trust in governance by reducing political influence on state and judicial institutions, fostering a government that remains transparent and accountable to its people.
Addressing Economic and Security Reforms
In his vision for the Kurdistan Region’s future, Talabani presented a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing economic and security concerns. He criticized the lack of transparency in the Kurdistan Region’s oil production and sales, asserting that the PUK had not been real partners in previous governments, where decisions were monopolized by a single party. Talabani expressed frustration over the Kurdistan government’s management of oil revenues, stating that even top government officials lacked insight into the region’s finances.
One of Talabani’s central goals is to unify the Peshmerga forces, which remain divided along partisan lines. Talabani emphasized that a unified military is vital for the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region, pointing out that some factions exploit security forces for political advantage. “Our aim is to create unified national forces that transcend political interests,” he stated, arguing that a cohesive Peshmerga force would bolster the Kurdistan Region’s defense capabilities and enable it to advocate more effectively for Kurdish rights within Iraq and internationally.
Moreover, Talabani’s economic reforms center on diversifying the Kurdistan Region’s economy, reducing dependency on oil revenues, and strengthening the private sector to address citizens’ needs. He noted that the PUK’s economic strategy focuses on uplifting citizens who have historically been deprived of opportunities, advocating for policies that would generate employment, encourage investment, and stabilize the region’s economy. He acknowledged that economic reform would require a concerted effort among all political actors, calling for collaboration across party lines to ensure that resources are utilized for public benefit rather than partisan gain.
Forging Partnerships for a Stronger Kurdistan
In closing his address, Talabani reiterated the PUK’s willingness to work with any party that prioritizes the welfare of the Kurdistan Region’s citizens above narrow political interests. He welcomed the announcement of the election results by Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) and reaffirmed his dedication to forming a government that reflects the diverse needs of the Kurdish people.
During a panel titled “Political Dynamic Developments in the Kurdistan Region: What to Expect in the Next Four Years,” Talabani called on all political parties to put aside their differences, advocating for a unified Kurdish front in Baghdad and beyond. He highlighted that a strong coalition would enable the Kurdistan Region to negotiate more effectively with the Iraqi federal government and international partners on issues impacting the Kurdish community.
Addressing concerns over recent political tensions, Talabani assured citizens that the PUK would handle disputes responsibly, using dialogue as the primary tool for conflict resolution. He extended an olive branch to parties that may have felt marginalized during the elections, underscoring the importance of building trust and collaboration across the political spectrum. “We will not allow party interests to overshadow the rights and needs of our people,” he affirmed, stressing that the PUK’s approach to governance would focus on inclusivity and citizen-centric policies.
Talabani’s remarks reflect a commitment to steering the Kurdistan Region toward a more democratic and participatory political landscape, one where opposition voices are not only heard but are integral to the policymaking process. He reiterated his pledge to prevent any delays in government formation and to honor the promises made to the Kurdish people during the election campaign.
As the Region’s leaders continue discussions to form a coalition, Talabani’s emphasis on unity, transparency, and reform has set a clear direction for the PUK’s role in the Kurdistan Regional Government. Talabani’s vision is one of a balanced political ecosystem, where parties collaborate on behalf of their citizens, ensuring a prosperous future for all Kurds in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. His call for strong opposition, judicial integrity, and unified military forces underlines the PUK’s dedication to fostering a stable, inclusive, and transparent government capable of meeting the Region’s current and future challenges.
