SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – The fifth term of the Kurdistan Region’s Parliament has officially dissolved on Sunday, following a ruling by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court that deemed the parliament’s self-extension “unconstitutional.” This development comes after months of uncertainty surrounding the legality of the parliament’s extension.
Outgoing Kurdistan Region Parliament Speaker Rewaz Faiq bid farewell to the administration staff on Sunday, marking the end of the term.
On May 30, 2023, the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court declared that the Kurdistan Region’s parliament’s decision to extend its term by an additional year was in violation of the constitution. The court’s ruling not only signifies the end of the fifth term but also invalidates all laws and decisions passed by the parliament after November 6, 2022.
Complicating matters further, the Region’s electoral commission has been dissolved in accordance with the ruling of Iraq’s top court. This gives the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) of Iraq the authority to hold the Region’s elections. However, no date has yet been set.
Despite calls for elections to be held this year, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has faced significant obstacles in conducting a timely electoral process. Political disputes between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have hindered progress, leaving no clear date for the elections.
The court’s decision is a major setback for the Kurdistan Region’s government, as it comes at a time when the region is grappling with numerous challenges. The Kurdistan Region is currently facing a financial crisis, with the government struggling to meet its financial obligations following the halt of its oil exports through Turkey’s Ceyhan port.
Additionally, a political deadlock has further exacerbated the situation, making it difficult to implement necessary reforms and address the pressing needs of the population.
