ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has proposed former Iraqi Environment Minister Nizar Amedi as a potential candidate for the presidency during recent talks with the ruling Shiite Coordination Framework, sources said. The presidency has traditionally been held by the PUK.
“In its meeting with the Coordination Framework, the PUK put forward the names of several candidates, most notably Nizar Amedi,” Salam al-Zubadi, spokesperson for the Nasr (Victory) Alliance - part of the Coordination Framework - told Rudaw.
The meeting between the PUK and the Coordination Framework took place ahead of the Iraqi parliament’s election of its speaker and deputy speakers earlier this week.
According to Zubadi, the Coordination Framework favors an agreement between the PUK and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on a single presidential candidate.
“The Coordination Framework believes that the PUK and KDP should reach an agreement on one candidate and not enter parliament with two separate nominees,” Zubadi said. “Otherwise, the Framework would be placed in an awkward position over whom to support.”
Earlier this week, the Iraqi parliament elected its speaker and two deputies, triggering a three-day window for political blocs to submit nominees for the largely ceremonial presidency. Since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, the post has traditionally gone to the PUK, though the KDP is also seeking the position.
Under Iraq’s constitution, the president must be elected within 30 days of the first parliamentary session, which convened on December 29.
Amedi previously served as Iraq’s environment minister as part of the PUK’s share in Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani’s cabinet. He stepped down from the post in October 2024 to lead the PUK office in Baghdad. Fellow party member Halo Askari assumed the role in his place.
Abu Mithaq Masari, a member of the Badr Organization, also confirmed that the PUK has proposed Amedi for the presidency.
Similarly, Ahmed al-Issawi, a senior member of the National Wisdom Movement, said discussions with the PUK have focused on Kurdish unity behind a single candidate.
“The talks were largely about ensuring that the Kurds present one candidate for the presidency,” Issawi said. “The name of Nizar Amedi has been strongly mentioned for the position.”
Formed in 2021, the Coordination Framework is Iraq’s largest Shiite political alliance and plays a decisive role in the country’s political landscape, including government formation.
Neither the PUK nor the KDP has officially announced a presidential nominee.
The KDP Politburo is scheduled to meet on Saturday to decide whether to nominate a candidate, identify who that candidate would be, and determine whether an agreement with the PUK is possible, Iraq’s Minister of Construction and Housing Bangin Rekani told Rudaw in an interview on Thursday.
“It is much better if we go [to Baghdad] together,” Rekani said. “It is better for the Kurds, better for the KDP, better for the PUK, and better for all Kurdish parties.”
He added that other Iraqi political factions, including Shiite parties, are encouraging Kurdish unity to help ensure the formation of a stable government.
“The next phase in Iraq will be very difficult."