Barzani says constitution, federalism key to KDP stance in coalition negotiations

BAGHDAD — Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani said there is “no veto on any person or party” in the ongoing negotiations to form Iraq’s next government, emphasizing that the most important factor is a commitment to the Iraqi constitution and federalism.

Barzani made the remarks during a meeting with British Ambassador to Iraq Irfan Siddiq on Sunday in Pirmam, Erbil, according to a statement from Barzani Headquarters.

“Any person or party that commits to implementing the constitution will be closer to us and to the Kurdistan Region,” Barzani said. “The most important point is that everyone believes in federalism as a comprehensive system based on the constitution.”

According to projections by 964media, the Kurdistan Democratic Party is expected to secure around 28 seats after receiving nearly 1.1 million votes nationwide.

He described the post-election period as “important” and called on all political parties to work seriously together to reform governance in Iraq and implement constitutional provisions, including passing necessary legislation such as the Oil and Gas Law.

Iraq held its parliamentary elections on Nov. 11, and the Independent High Electoral Commission released preliminary results Wednesday

Barzani added, “For the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Kurdistan Region, implementing the constitution is the central basis of negotiations to form the next Iraqi government.”

Regarding Kurdish unity in Baghdad, Barzani said the foundation of that unity must be a shared understanding of the Kurdistan Region’s strategic issues and Baghdad’s full commitment to the constitution.

The two also discussed bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq. Both sides agreed on the importance of maintaining and strengthening these ties across all sectors, the statement read.

Once the final election results are ratified, the president must convene the new parliament, which then elects its speaker and, subsequently, the president of the republic. The president tasks the largest bloc’s nominee with forming a cabinet, and the prime minister-designate must present the government to parliament for a confidence vote.