President Masoud Barzani's speech

In the name of God, the Most Gracious and the Most Compassionate

Dear Friends, Honorable and beloved candidates,

I am truly honored and pleased to be here with you today as we launch the campaign for the upcoming election of the sixth term of the Federal Parliament. Every election is important — therefore, I cannot say that this one is more important than the others, because all elections are significant, though each takes place under different circumstances.

I have learned that a considerable number of our Arab and Turkmen brothers and sisters are among the candidates on the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s list No. 275.

I would like to express my deep happiness that Arab and Turkmen brothers and sisters are part of this list. Their presence reinforces the principles of the Party, strengthens it, and reflects the KDP’s correct and inclusive approach.

Your participation adds strength to the KDP’s strength. I advise all of you to stand united in defending the rights of the people of Kurdistan as well as the rights of every individual Iraqi — in every governorate and every region. You must see yourselves as representatives of all Iraq, not just the Kurdistan Region. I wish you all success and victory — and most importantly, the victory of List 275. You are all dear and respected — brothers and sisters alike — but what matters most is that the list wins, because if the list wins, it means all of you have won. Therefore, your focus must remain on the list. Beyond that, whoever among you wins makes no difference to us — you are all equal and valued. Welcome.

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Dear friends,

I feel it is necessary to revisit a bit of history.

The state of Iraq, established after the First World War, was founded on the principle that Kurds and Arabs are partners in this country. This came after the failure of the Treaty of Sèvres and the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, through which only the people of Southern Kurdistan were given the right to decide their destiny — whether to join Iraq or Turkey. They chose Iraq — but on the condition of partnership in governance.

Unfortunately, that partnership never materialized. We were not treated as equals. We were denied basic citizenship rights, and later even the right to live. Our supposed “partnership” turned into genocides, chemical bombings, and the destruction of our villages. And even worse, after 2003, the families of those who were gassed and Anfalized had their livelihoods cut off, instead of being compensated for their immense suffering.

I hope these elections become another opportunity — not only for Kurdistan but for all of Iraq — to ensure that the mistakes of the past are not repeated by anyone, from any side.

Despite all the injustices and oppression faced by the people of Kurdistan, they stood firm, proud, and courageous — never surrendering, always defending their rights and existence.

Every opportunity for peace that has ever emerged — in 1963, 1964, 1966, 1970, and 1991 — the Kurdish side accepted dialogue for peace. Yet, every time, war was resumed, because the other side lacked belief in rights, partnership, and democracy.

The slogan of the September Revolution — “Democracy for Iraq, Autonomy for Kurdistan” — was absolutely correct. For without democracy in Iraq, no Kurd, Arab, Turkmen, or follower of any religion or sect can enjoy their rights. Only with genuine democracy can everyone’s rights be secured.

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What makes President Barzani most proud to be Kurdish?

President Barzani:

Despite all the crimes committed against the people of Kurdistan, when the opportunity arose in 1991, the people acted with humanity and dignity. Two Iraqi army corps — the same ones that had carried out the Anfal campaign and destroyed villages — surrendered, yet not a single soldier was harmed. They were all released freely to go wherever they wished.

That moment made me prouder than ever to belong to this nation and this people.

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The Golden Opportunity of 2003

When the Ba’ath regime fell in 2003, a golden opportunity appeared for all Iraqis. With pure intentions and strong determination, we went to Baghdad to help build a new Iraq based on three principles: partnership, balance, and consensus.

We worked tirelessly to establish that new Iraq — until the Constitution was drafted in 2005. No one worked as hard on it as we did. When I returned to Kurdistan after it was completed, I said: “Thank God, this Constitution is good.” It may not fulfill all our ambitions, but it is, in essence, an excellent Constitution — one that safeguards most of our rights. Its positives far outweigh its negatives.

Had it been properly implemented, Iraq would have been spared many of the crises and conflicts that later arose between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad. Unfortunately, it was never truly respected.

The election law being used today is neither fair nor just. It limits the rights of individuals and parties. We hope future elections will be based on a reformed, more equitable law.

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Now I would like to address those in Baghdad who oppose the Region and compete among themselves over who can harm the Kurdistan Region the most — especially within Parliament. They should recall what is written in the Constitution before accusing the Region of wrongdoing.

In the Preamble of the Iraqi Constitution, it states:

> “We, the people of Iraq — of all our components and spectrums — have freely and by our own choice decided to form this Union… Commitment to this Constitution preserves Iraq’s free union — its people, land, and sovereignty.”

If they truly read this, they would understand that it is Baghdad that has violated the Constitution, not Kurdistan.

Article 1 says:

> “Iraq is a federal state.”

Meaning Iraq is not a centralized state. Any act based on central authority is unconstitutional and illegal — whether it occurs in Kurdistan or elsewhere.

Article 3 affirms:

> “Iraq is a country of multiple nationalities, religions, and sects.”

This means Iraq cannot be governed by a single group — all must share power.

Regarding oil and gas, Article 111 says:

> “Oil and gas are the property of all the Iraqi people in all regions and governorates.”

We fully agree with that.

Article 112 adds:

> “The federal government shall manage oil and gas extracted from current fields in cooperation with the governments of the producing regions and governorates…”

The key word is “cooperation” (ma‘an / together) — meaning joint decision-making. The Kurdistan Region has adhered to this; others have not.

Article 115 gives priority to regional law in case of conflict with federal law on shared powers. Yet, it too has been ignored.

Article 121 clearly defines the powers of the Region — but again, I won’t take your time listing them all.

In 2007, several meetings were held between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government in Pirmam, attended by experts from countries like Canada and ambassadors of the US and UK. We reached an excellent agreement, but when it went to the Council of Ministers, one minister mocked it, saying: “The Kurds don’t even know the difference between water and oil — should we bind ourselves to this?” They blocked the law. So if there are oil and gas disputes today, the fault lies in Baghdad, not Erbil.

Recently, a new agreement was reached between the KRG, the Federal Government, and oil companies. I hope it continues and becomes a foundation for a lasting oil and gas law. We are fully ready for that — but we reject any false interpretation of the Constitution.

Article 140 on disputed territories — normalization, census, referendum — has been stolen from us. But this issue must still be resolved according to the Constitution if Iraq is ever to be stable. Otherwise, future generations will inherit these same problems.

Article 65 requires the creation of the Federation Council — a legislative body representing regions and governorates. Sadly, we Kurds — in Baghdad, in the KRG, and all our parties — have neglected this vital article. It is your duty now to work with others to ensure its implementation, to prevent arbitrary political decisions or judicial manipulation in the name of law.

Similarly, Article 92 provides for an Independent Federal Supreme Court, which has still not been established according to constitutional terms. The current court is unconstitutional and must be reformed to prevent politically motivated rulings against any Iraqi, Kurd or Arab alike.

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Dear friends,

We now prepare for the upcoming parliamentary elections. I urge that they be peaceful, calm, and dignified. Even if someone tears down your campaign posters, do not respond — such behavior is wrong. Avoid reactionary responses; maintain your composure.

I call on all people of Kurdistan to go to the polls enthusiastically and vote.

Let me speak frankly: every time we approach elections, new conspiracies emerge against the KDP. My advice to those behind them is to stop. People must learn from the past — once, twice, even three times. The KDP cannot be broken, whether within Kurdistan or through any alliances in Baghdad. Those who tried in the past failed and regretted it. The KDP is far greater than any alliance formed to harm it.

We want all issues resolved — simply and clearly. If Iraq truly believes in federalism, then the path to solving every problem lies in the Constitution. If the Region ever demands more than what is constitutionally allowed, tell us no. But if even one article of the Constitution is violated against Kurdistan and its people, we will never accept it.

If there is a genuine will to solve problems, the solution is very simple: return to the Constitution. Implement it fully — without omission or distortion — and every issue will be resolved.

This period has given us enough experience — in both Erbil and Baghdad. We are ready to resolve all issues within the framework of the Constitution. If Kurdistan has made mistakes, we will correct them. But Baghdad must also return to the Constitution if it truly seeks a stable Iraq built on partnership and brotherhood.

Finally, once again, I wish you all success. Consider yourselves representatives of all the people of Iraq. Build friendly and cooperative relations with others in Parliament. Defend the rights of Kurds, Arabs, Turkmens, Yazidis, and every group facing injustice. Do not isolate yourselves. Do not fear criticism or challenges — you have the mountains of Kurdistan and your Party behind you.

May you honor the spirits of our martyrs, bring joy to the hearts of Kurdistan’s people, and may you achieve success.

Peace be upon you.