The Kurdistan Region of Iraq’s parliament elected Vala Farid as speaker and Rami Nouri Owdish as deputy speaker on Wednesday during the first session of its sixth legislative term in Erbil.
The new leadership was elected in a session attended by 52 lawmakers, marking a step toward restoring the work of the region’s legislative institution after a prolonged period of suspension.
Election Details from Erbil Session
According to the Iraqi News Agency reporter, the session was chaired by MP Samira Hassan as the oldest member present, with 52 lawmakers in attendance.
The parliament also elected Rami Nouri Owdish, the Christian quota representative from Erbil, as deputy speaker. He won 52 out of 53 votes, the report said.
Mona Nabi Qahwaji was also elected secretary of the Kurdistan Parliament with 52 votes, and the new leadership took over the session after their election.
Parliament Reactivated After Long Suspension
The Kurdistan Democratic Party said restoring the parliament was an important step to protect the region’s constitutional entity and stressed that the public’s will must be respected.
KDP spokesman Mahmoud Mohammed said in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency that reactivating the parliament was “delayed, but necessary” to preserve the constitutional framework of the Kurdistan Region, adding that the institution had been suspended for two years due to political decisions taken by the leaderships of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and the New Generation Movement.
Calls to Respect the Democratic Process
Mohammed said most lawmakers from different blocs had succeeded in restarting the democratic process, acting out of national responsibility, respect for voters, and commitment to their legal oath.
He added that the parliament resumed work at a time when some lawmakers and their families had faced threats, calling that a dangerous sign and a challenge to democracy and the will of the people.
Political Message for the Next Phase
The KDP spokesman said the parliament is the “real place for political and legal dialogue” and a key factor in strengthening internal unity and cohesion in the region.
He stressed that reactivating the parliament is not directed against any political force and that its doors remain open to everyone, expressing hope that other blocs will take positive decisions and help preserve the region’s legitimacy and constitutional entity.
Key messages in the statement included:
– Reactivating parliament is a constitutional step
– Voters’ will must be respected
– Political dialogue should continue within the region
– The legal vacuum must end
– All parties should participate
Conclusion:
The election of a new parliamentary leadership in Kurdistan marks a notable political development after a long suspension, with renewed calls to stabilize institutions and deepen dialogue among the region’s political forces.
