“The Political Leadership of Kurdistan – Iraq should be disestablished and the Kurdistan Region’s institutions should be developed and nationalized instead,” read a statement from Gorran published by the party’s media outlet Sbeiy.
The establishment of the Political Leadership was announced on Sunday. The body emerged out of the High Referendum Council, which had overseen the referendum process and was disbanded on Sunday, and has been tasked with managing the post-referendum phase. The multi-party Council was headed by Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani. Gorran did not have a representative on the Council as the party lobbied for parliament to oversee the referendum, not the party-led body.
“Our nation is currently at a sensitive and dangerous phase,” Gorran stated on Monday. “The financial crisis, legal vacuum, and the lack of social justice have put the lives of citizens and social peace at great jeopardy.”
The party blamed 25 years of “failed politics,” since the Kurdistan Region gained self-autonomy, and said that prioritizing the independence referendum ahead of addressing the Region’s problems and “achieving national unity” was a continuation of this failure.
Gorran said the referendum created another political crisis as the vote has been rejected by Baghdad, neighbouring countries, and Western allies, posing a “serious threat” to the people and the gains Kurdistan has achieved.
“The citizens of Kurdistan are currently fearful, hesitant and disappointed in the face of an uncertain future,” Gorran stated, outlining steps the party believes should be taken at this time.
It called on the Kurdistan parliament to form a “discussion body” to engage with Baghdad with UN and international supervision to resolve problems and urged Kurdistan to welcome initiatives presented by the international community.
Gorran also suggested parliamentary and presidential elections, scheduled for November 1, should have international supervision.
The party slammed Baghdad for “collective punishment” and said the referendum should not be an excuse for Iraq to renege on Kurdistan’s rights that are enshrined in the constitution.
It called on the central government in Baghdad to review decisions it made before and after the September 25 vote “and revoke those that are against the interests of the people of Kurdistan and that will cause complications and instability.”
