Zebari: Government Formation Nears Final Stages Based on Election Results, Not a 50-50 Split

Peregraf

Hoshyar Zebari, a senior member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Political Bureau, has stated that the process of forming a new government in the Kurdistan Region is at an advanced stage and will be based on the results of the recent elections rather than an equal power-sharing agreement.

Speaking at a conference organized by the party’s Culture and Media Department, Zebari emphasized that negotiations are progressing primarily between the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

“Our main dialogue is with the PUK. I can say that we have reached an agreement on 90 percent of the nine key governance issues,” Zebari noted. He also stressed that the discussions have been open and constructive, aiming for a resolution aligned with the election results.

“We expect to meet in the coming days at the level of both negotiating delegations, rather than through technical committees,” he added.

Political Landscape and Challenges

The KDP and PUK, the dominant parties in the recent elections, have been working through a joint committee to formulate a governance strategy. Their primary focus has been on overcoming political deadlocks and establishing a functional administration.

Despite the Kurdistan Parliament’s first session on December 2, disagreements—particularly between the KDP and PUK—over leadership roles have prolonged the deadlock. The joint committee’s role is seen as crucial in facilitating a consensus.

In the elections, the KDP secured 39 seats, making it the largest party, while the PUK obtained 23 seats. Minority representatives and smaller parties collectively hold 38 seats. Given that 51 seats are needed for a parliamentary majority, coalition-building remains essential for forming a stable government.

The KDP continues to dominate Erbil and Duhok, while the PUK holds influence in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja. Historically, cooperation between the two parties has been key to stability in the Kurdistan Region.

As both parties gear up for further negotiations, their ability to finalize a governance framework will shape the region’s political and administrative future.