پەرلەمانی کوردستان
November 11, 2025
Early this morning, Tuesday, President Nechirvan Barzani cast his vote in Erbil as the voting process officially began. Later, he delivered a statement to journalists and answered their questions.
The following is a readout of his remarks:
Thank you very much. I welcome you all.
Today is another election day to choose the members of Iraq’s Council of Representatives. Without a doubt, this is an important process, and I believe this election is one of the most significant held in Iraq so far.
After the experiences Iraq has gone through since 2005, we hope this election marks a new beginning for a democratic and federal Iraq, where all communities achieve their rights within the framework of the constitution.
Voting is both a right and a responsibility. I hope everyone in Iraq takes this process seriously. Iraq is moving along the correct democratic path, and it is important for the citizens of Iraq, and especially those of the Kurdistan Region, to fulfill their duty and go to the ballot boxes.
We are pleased that the first phase of voting proceeded calmly and orderly. I hope that today, the official start of voting, will also continue peacefully.
I would like to thank all the security forces of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for fulfilling their duties with great professionalism. I also extend my gratitude to the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq for its efforts and the measures taken so far, and I thank them for their hard work.
We hope this election will be the beginning of a new phase for Iraq. The people of Iraq deserve a better life and brighter days. We hope this marks the start of greater service to the Iraqi people and improving their lives. God willing, everyone remains safe and well.
In response to a question about the difference between this election and previous ones in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, President Nechirvan Barzani said:
“The difference is one key point. We believe Iraq has seen positive changes in security and the economy. For us, the meaning of this election is that it represents the beginning of a new phase in implementing the constitution, which should guarantee peace and stability for all Iraqi people. We believe this marks the start of a new stage for putting the constitution into full practice.”
Regarding the talks between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on forming the new cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government, the President said:
“The statement released by the KDP reflects the discussions and meetings between the KDP and PUK. Every election has its own context, and after elections, another context begins. We do not reject dialogue with any side. All issues must be resolved through dialogue. After these elections, we will sit again and discuss how to resolve the outstanding issues.”
On whether this election may bring change in the region, and on the timing of resuming talks between the KDP and PUK, the President said:
“Every election is important. The significance of this one for the Kurdistan Region is that we believe a new phase has begun in Iraq, and the Region must be strong in Baghdad. Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have both endorsed the constitution, but it has not yet been fully implemented. The most important step after this election is to make serious efforts to implement the constitution. After the election, the PUK and other sides will certainly enter a new phase of dialogue to form the new KRG cabinet.”
On maintaining stability in the Kurdistan Region and forming Iraq’s new federal government, the President said:
“Our message to all the people of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, is that we should all participate in this election because it is important. Will stability continue? I believe yes, the situation will remain stable. There are always political differences and criticisms, but in the end we resolve issues through dialogue, and I am confident of that.”
“After election results are announced, negotiations will begin to form the new federal government. All Iraqi political parties agree that necessary reforms and changes should take place. Everyone is determined that the new government will be formed soon, without unnecessary delays. How this takes shape depends on the coming talks.”
Regarding his message to Baghdad, President Nechirvan Barzani said:
“Our message is that we all live in one country, Iraq. Iraq belongs to all of us, and all outstanding issues between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region should be resolved within a united, federal Iraq, through dialogue and for the well-being of all Iraqis. The key to solving problems lies in Baghdad. For the political, social, and economic stability of Iraq’s people, it is essential that Baghdad-Erbil disputes be resolved through dialogue. We want prosperity for all Iraqis, in Basra, Zakho, Anbar, Najaf, Karbala, and Baghdad.”
Regarding calls to boycott the elections, the President said:
“Every election is meant to bring change. Iraq’s system is democratic, and despite challenges, it has held elections every four years. That is a fundamental pillar of democracy. If you compare Baghdad today with five years ago, you can see progress in many areas. But is it enough? Of course not. The Iraqi people deserve a better life. Iraq is a wealthy country, and its wealth should be used for development and the well-being of its citizens.”
Finally, regarding U.S. policy toward the Kurdistan Region, President Nechirvan Barzani said:
“The policy of the international community and the United States is clear. They support a strong Kurdistan Region within a united, federal Iraq. The Kurdistan Region is a factor of stability and security, both within Iraq and beyond. The Region will continue its constructive role alongside Baghdad. The current stability in Iraq owes much to this cooperation, and our contribution will continue. I hope that after this election, Iraq enters a new stage of political, economic, and social stability.”
“Thank you very much.”
