KDP, Sunni bloc back 'constitutional' snap elections in Iraq

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance on Sunday emphasized the significance of holding early constitutional parliamentary elections in Iraq in light of the deepening political crisis while also emphasizing that the current legislature must remain operational until the polls are conducted.

KDP Leader Masoud Barzani received the head of the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance Khamis al-Khanjar and Iraqi parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbousi in Pirmam, discussing the “negative implications” of the current political impasse in Iraq and the need for dialogue to overcome the current obstacles, read a statement published by Barzani Headquarters.

Iraq held early elections in October of last year, but the elected legislature has been unsuccessful in its efforts to form the next government due to continued disagreement between the main political blocs.

The lack of a cabinet has driven many of Iraq’s political parties to call for early elections, although their suggested pathways towards that end may differ.

Both Barzani and Halbousi stressed the importance of holding early elections “in accordance with the constitutional mechanisms,” but emphasized that a new vote should only be held once a “government with full authority” is formed.

The meeting comes as the two blocs’ former ally, the Sadrist Movement, on Thursday indirectly called on “the allies and the independents” to withdraw from the parliament in order to render the legislature illegitimate.

Both sides agreed to continue cooperation and pursue shared stances that best benefit the country, according to the statement.

The two Sunni officials also met the Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, echoing similar calls.

The KDP, the Sadrist Movement, and the Sunni Sovereignty Alliance formed a tripartite alliance in the Iraqi parliament which attempted to form a national majority government, as they were the kingmakers of their respective components.

The Sadrists withdrew from the parliament in June, bringing to an end what was called the Save the Homeland Alliance with early elections being a key demand of Muqtada al-Sadr and his supporters who have been calling for the dissolution of the parliament.

Sadr’s rivals in the Iran-backed Coordination Framework want to elect a new head of government before holding new polls.

Iraqi political leaders last week agreed to work toward holding early elections in a meeting boycotted by Sadr. 

Under Iraq’s constitution, the dissolution of the parliament can only be done through an absolute majority of its members, or upon the request of one-third of its members.