PUK Spokesperson: Rotation of Kirkuk Governor Unrelated to Presidential Election

PUKMEDIA

Karwan Gaznay speaks during a press conference.

The spokesperson for the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) stated that Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha has delivered notable services to the province and its residents despite the challenging conditions and obstacles he encountered, stressing that the rotation of administrative posts is a democratic practice.

Speaking at a press conference in Sulaymaniyah on Thursday, 16 April 2026, PUK spokesperson Karwan Gaznay expressed the party’s appreciation to Rebwar Taha, the Kirkuk administration, and the provincial council, noting that they “have set a commendable example of coexistence, peace, and stability by adhering to the policies of President Mam Jalal.”

Gaznay stated, “The post of Kirkuk governor will be rotated today. This step by the PUK is grounded in the prudent policies of President Mam Jalal — policies rooted in both strength and coexistence. At the height of Kurdish influence in Iraq, he proposed a framework to distribute positions among Kirkuk’s diverse communities, and today we are implementing that vision with the guidance of President Bafel Jalal Talabani.”

He further stressed that the transfer of the governorship is “entirely unrelated to the presidential election, contrary to claims made by some parties. It is simply the implementation of an agreement reached more than two years ago. Our politics are based on integrity, and we remain committed to our agreements. At the same time, this reflects the soundness of President Bafel’s and the PUK’s approach.”

Gaznay added, “From our perspective, the rotation of positions is a democratic process. We do not regard any office as a political inheritance for any individual or party, as some suggest. On the contrary, it strengthens democracy, and we must remain transparent with both our partners and the public in conveying our position.”

He noted that “some parties have voiced dissatisfaction with this move,” asking, “If they were genuinely concerned about this post serving Kurdish interests, why did they not vote for Mr Rebwar Taha? Why did they not congratulate him, and why did they file complaints against him?” He continued, “Had there been a genuine will to support a Kurdish candidate, an agreement could have been reached with the Kurdistan Democratic Party instead of turning to other parties.” He reaffirmed that the PUK remains committed to supporting democratic principles and respecting mechanisms for rotating positions in a manner that serves the public interest and reinforces political stability.

On the formation of the next government in the Kurdistan Region, Gaznay confirmed that “a new phase of negotiations, based on parliamentary representation, has now begun,” expressing hope that a service-oriented government will be formed to meet the expectations and needs of the people of Kurdistan.

He added that the PUK regards itself as the rightful steward of Kirkuk and is working to strengthen security, stability, and coexistence there, describing the city as “the Quds of Kurdistan.”


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