New Kurdistan Region parliament to convene for first session on Dec. 2

ERBIL — The first session of the new Kurdistan Region parliament is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 2, according to an announcement by Dilshad Shahab, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Regional Presidency. Speaking at a press conference, Shahab stated, “Under an order by Nechirvan Barzani, President of the Kurdistan Region, the inaugural session will take place on Dec. 2.”

During the first session, the eldest member to preside over the meeting. This interim chairperson will oversee the swearing-in of new members and the election of the parliamentary leadership. Mohammed Suleiman Mohammed, 76-year-old member of the opposition New Generation bloc, will take this role.

During the upcoming session leadership positions, including the speaker of parliament, should be selected. However, political disagreements between political parties over cabinet formation and power-sharing could delay proceedings.

The Kurdistan Region held its parliamentary elections for the 100-seat legislative chamber on October 20, with preliminary results released on October 21 and final results officially announced on Oct. 30.

Following review and validation by the judicial committee overseeing the elections, the Kurdistan Democratic Party secured the largest share of seats, winning 39, while the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan came in second with 23 seats.