Baghdad, Iraq — The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) announced today, Monday, the nomination of Nizar Amidi for the position of President of the Republic of Iraq. This is for the upcoming four-year presidential term.
This step paves the way for the start of the constitutional process to elect a new president for the country.
Kurdish media reported that the nomination decision came following a meeting of the party’s Political Bureau.
The meeting was headed by Pavel Talabani, and held in the city of Sulaymaniyah.
During the meeting, consensus was reached on the name of the candidate who will represent the party in the race for the presidency.
Earlier, sources in the Iraqi parliament had stated that 46 Iraqi figures had officially submitted
applications to run for the position of President of the Republic.
This came before the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan finalized its choice and announced
its official candidate. This was done in accordance with the political customs followed in the country.
Firm political understandings
This development comes within the framework of the political consensus system and the sharing of sovereign positions in Iraq.
The presidency is allocated to the Kurdish component, specifically the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
This is in accordance with established political understandings dating back to 2005.
Under this agreement, the Shiite and Sunni political forces and blocs within the Council of Representatives
They will not support any candidate other than the one nominated by the Kurdish party in question.
After the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) announces its candidate, the Iraqi Council of Representatives is expected to set a date for a special session dedicated to electing the President of the Republic.
This is done in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution, provided that the vote is conducted with the required quorum.
Electing the President of the Republic is a fundamental step in fulfilling constitutional requirements. This position plays a pivotal role in ratifying laws.
It also includes tasking the nominee of the largest bloc with forming the government. They will also represent the state in official forums.
