Kirkuk Provincial Council grapples with power-sharing challenges amid persistent disputes

After nearly eight months of political deadlock, the Kirkuk Provincial Council (KPC) convened its inaugural session on Thursday, aiming to resolve longstanding disputes over leadership in the oil-rich and disputed province.

Iraq's State News Agency (INA) reported that the council decided to extend its session for a month, allowing key stakeholders to reach a consensus on power-sharing and electing a governor.

The province of Kirkuk, historically disputed between Iraq's federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), held its first provincial election since 2005 on 18 December. Despite the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) confirming results on 21 January, the KPC struggled to achieve a quorum and elect a local government responsible for providing public services and security.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani intervened this week, urging council members to convene and break the impasse. Mazher Anwar Al-Asi, a KPC member representing the Arab component, indicated progress toward consensus on selecting the governor and council president.

"The session of the Kirkuk Council held today will remain open, with the constitution granting the council a month to finalize these pivotal appointments," Al-Asi told INA. He emphasised the council's cautious approach to disclosing negotiation details to prevent external influence.

Al-Asi highlighted the Arab component's commitment to inclusivity, advocating for shared governance reflecting Kirkuk's diverse demographics. "Stability and collective management are paramount," he stressed, noting the region's strategic importance amid ongoing tensions.

Kirkuk's political landscape has shifted following recent elections, marking a decline in Kurdish party influence. The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) lost majority control, securing fewer seats compared to Arab, Turkmen, and Christian parties.

The contested status of Kirkuk and neighbouring regions underscores unresolved issues outlined in Iraq's permanent constitution. Article 140 outlines mechanisms for resolving disputes over territorial control, yet implementation has stalled since 2007, fuelling ongoing discord.

In 2017, federal forces reclaimed Kirkuk from Kurdish Peshmerga, escalating regional tensions. Recent incidents, including fatalities amid security clashes, highlight the volatile atmosphere overshadowing political negotiations.

As stakeholders navigate intricate power dynamics, Kirkuk's path to stability hinges on inclusive governance and equitable representation, transcending electoral entitlements to foster unity amid diversity.