Turkmens continue boycott of Kirkuk Provincial Council over disputed elections

The Iraqi Turkmen Front has confirmed that its members will continue boycotting sessions of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, protesting the recent governorate elections led by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The Turkmen representatives argue that the elections were illegal and have filed an appeal with Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court to annul the results.

Turkmens protest Kirkuk elections, cite illegality

The boycott stems from elections held in Kirkuk under the initiative of the PUK.

According to the Iraqi Turkmen Front’s political bureau, the elections were conducted unlawfully, prompting them to challenge the process in court. “The elections were illegal, and we have appealed to the Federal Supreme Court for annulment,” the statement read.

Turkmens refuse to acknowledge council proceedings

Despite their refusal to attend council sessions, the Turkmen representatives emphasized that they would continue their regular duties to ensure essential services reach the people of Kirkuk.

“We will not attend council sessions until the court decides, but we will fulfill our duties to the people,” the statement added.

PUK and Arab members elect new governor in boycotted session

Amid the boycott, council members, nine members of the Kirkuk Provincial Council – five from the PUK, three Arabs, and one Christian – gathered at the Rashid Hotel in Baghdad to hold an election for the governor and the chairman of the Provincial Council.

Rebwar Taha, a PUK candidate was announced as the new governor, and Arab member Mohammed Hafiz was the new provincial council chairman. However, the Turkmens, other Arab members, and KDP members did not participate in this vote.

Hasan Turan, leader of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, held a press conference, declaring the election invalid and stating that the process violated Article 13 of the Kirkuk Provincial Council Election Law.

The Iraqi Turkmen Front reiterated its commitment to seeking a legal remedy. “We do not recognize the legitimacy of the election and will continue our appeal for annulment at the Federal Supreme Court,” said the head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front.

Betrayal or strategy? Arab leaders split over vote 

Former Kirkuk Governor Rakan al-Jubouri condemned the meeting in Baghdad, describing it as a “betrayal of the Arabs in Kirkuk.”

Jubouri, who was not invited to the meeting despite being the eldest council member, claimed that the election process violated the law.

He stated that they would take all necessary legal and judicial measures to defend their rights and criticized the three Arab members who participated in the meeting, accusing them of betraying their community for personal gain.