President Masoud Barzani officially launched the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) campaign for Iraq’s sixth parliamentary elections in Erbil. His speech centered on unity, democracy, and partnership among Iraq’s diverse communities.
Barzani told party members and supporters that each election carries special importance. “Every election is important; each comes with unique challenges,” he said, urging KDP members to unite behind List 275 and strive for victory.
Highlighting the inclusion of Arab and Turkmen candidates, Barzani said their participation strengthens the KDP’s democratic foundation. “Your presence on our list shows our commitment to defending the rights of all Iraqis,” he noted.
Barzani reflected on Iraq’s troubled history, emphasizing that the state was founded on partnership between Kurds and Arabs. Yet, he said, Kurds have long faced injustice and unfulfilled promises, including lack of compensation for victims of the Anfal campaign and chemical attacks. “Despite oppression, the Kurdish people have always stood with dignity and sought peace,” he said, recalling earlier autonomy efforts and the 1970 agreement.
He cited historical examples of Kurdish humanity, such as fair treatment of captured Iraqi soldiers in 1991, and said the 2003 fall of the Ba’ath regime offered a chance to build a democratic and federal Iraq. “We went to Baghdad with good intentions to create a new Iraq based on partnership and balance,” Barzani said.
However, he criticized the current electoral law as “unfair” and called for reforms ensuring equal representation. Addressing ongoing disputes with Baghdad, he reaffirmed Iraq’s federal nature. “Article 1 defines Iraq as a federal state,” he stressed. “No group can rule alone.”
Barzani also referenced Articles 111 and 112 of the constitution concerning oil and gas management. He said the KDP supports fair revenue distribution and cooperation between Baghdad and producing regions.
Concluding his address, Barzani encouraged KDP members to stay united. “Our goal is clear — a democratic Iraq where all communities live with dignity,” he said. “Together, we will continue our struggle for justice and partnership.”