Under the motto “Reclaiming the Future of Erbil” the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) introduced its candidates contending for Erbil’s 15 seats with a pledge that the party would fight for Kurdistan’s constitutional rights.
“We are working to implement Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution,” which addresses the disputed areas, said Harem Kamal Agha, head of the PUK’s list in Erbil, explaining the party’s agenda. “This can be done by re-forging ties with Shiite and Sunni parties.”
The event in Erbil, attended by top party brass Kosrat Rasul, Qubad Talabani, and Lahur Talabany, followed similar rallies in Sulaimani and Kirkuk this week.
The PUK is entering the elections in a weakened position after losing its stronghold Kirkuk, the departure of senior member Barham Salih who formed his own party, internal power struggles, and the death of its charismatic founder Jalal Talabani.
Kamal Agha said they would stand strong against decrees issued in the Iraqi parliament that do not favour Kurds.
Kurdish parties have boycotted Iraqi parliament sessions numerous times in the past, protesting laws and decrees they considered in violation of the rights of the Kurdistan Region, most notably the budget.
A major plank in the PUK platform is “normalizing the unwanted situations of the disputed territories, by initially returning Peshmerga to these areas.”
The October 16 events saw Peshmerga withdraw from Kirkuk. The PUK were widely blamed for this major setback and some within the party were accused of colluding with Baghdad to hand over the city. The PUK has rejected the accusation.
Though the Kurdish parties are entering the Iraqi elections with deep divisions, the PUK said it wants to team up in Baghdad and form a united front for Kurdish rights in the Iraqi parliament.
“We will work to restore the stolen rights of Kurds."
The PUK simultaneously kicked off its campaign in the town of Makhmour where a party official said “the election process goes on very calmly without a problem.”
Makhmour came under the control of Iraqi armed forces in October.
Rashad Galali said he did not expect any clashes in Makhmour ahead of the elections and said they have met with Iraqi security forces in order to lay the groundwork for a good “atmosphere” in the region.
As far as voter turnout, he expected it to be high, because “people are angry,” but added the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) may deter people from returning to the town to vote if they realize a high turnout in Makhmour may not favour their interests.
Despite the reopening of the Erbil-Makhmour roads, the KDP has not yet opened its base in the city.
There are five polling stations set up in Makhmour.
