By | Dr. Nazaket Hussen
The recent parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, despite many challenges, once again produced a familiar outcome: the Kurdistan Democratic Party emerged as the leading political force with the most seats. In the aftermath, all participating parties called for the swift formation of a new Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet.
Yet some political actors delayed coalition building while awaiting the results of the Iraqi parliamentary elections, hoping to strengthen their positions or secure additional seats at the federal level. Those results, however, reaffirmed the KDP’s leadership across Iraq as well.
This political landscape has reshaped the ambitions of those involved in forming the new government. What began as a regional process now carries national significance. Both the Kurdistan Regional Government cabinet and the federal cabinet in Baghdad need to be formed without delay.
Swift action is essential. Establishing functioning governments in both Erbil and Baghdad is critical to building political and economic stability across a wider region already marked by uncertainty. Prolonged political voids undermine efforts to restore peace and security and create opportunities for crises and exploitation.
The continued absence of a government and an inactive parliament in the Kurdistan Region is unsustainable. It invites legal and political uncertainty at a time when decisive governance is urgently needed. Political parties must now clarify their roles and commit to finalizing the formation of both cabinets.
The region can no longer afford to wait. Stability depends on action now.