Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) warned that repeated parliamentary elections remain an option if the political deadlock continues. The party stressed that delays in forming a new government cannot continue indefinitely.
Hoshyar Siwaily, head of the KDP’s foreign relations office, said on Sunday that recent political alignments have made negotiations more complicated. He specifically cited closer cooperation between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the New Generation Movement (NGM).
Siwaily said, “The alignment between the PUK and NGM complicates government formation. Re-running elections is one of the options.” He added that political paralysis cannot last for years.
The October 2024 parliamentary elections left the legislature fragmented. The KDP won 39 seats, and the PUK secured 23 in the 100-seat assembly. No party achieved a majority.
Disagreements over power-sharing, including the Interior Ministry, have stalled the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s tenth cabinet. International partners have urged political actors to act quickly to ensure stability.
Siwaily also rejected claims that rival parties could form a government without the KDP. He said the PUK and NGM combined do not have enough seats to govern effectively or serve as a meaningful opposition.
Last week, PUK leader Bafel Talabani accepted an alliance proposal from NGM leader Shaswar Abdulwahid. The initiative seeks to form a cabinet without KDP participation. Abdulwahid said the alliance aims to adjust the balance of power in Kurdistan and invited all parties, except the KDP, to join.
Talabani responded by expressing readiness for direct talks. Abdulwahid welcomed the response and urged immediate discussions.
Observers warned that prolonged deadlock risks public frustration and weakens institutional stability. They urged compromise to restore governance and public trust.