Elections Held in Kirkuk and Their Results
In the elections held in Kirkuk on December 18, 2023, after an 18-year hiatus, 9 Turkmen parties competed as a single list with the support of Turkey. As a result of the election, a balance was established in the number of members in the 16-seat Kirkuk Provincial Assembly.
Turkey’s Diplomatic Efforts and Their Results
It was stated that Turkey’s diplomatic initiatives were effective in ending the uncertainty in Kirkuk. As a result of long negotiations, an agreement was reached on a rotating governorship model between Turkmens, Kurds and Arabs. In this way, there will be a Turkmen governor in Kirkuk after 100 years.
The Future of Kirkuk and the Fight Against Terrorism
In the statements made, it was emphasized that the administration to be established would not allow terrorist organizations (especially the PKK). It was stated that an administration representing all local elements of Kirkuk should be formed.
Official Language Decision in Kirkuk
Since Kirkuk is a Turkmen city, the decision to use Turkish as the official language was put into practice in 2023. By the instruction of Kirkuk Governor Rakan El-Cuburi, the use of Turkish in official offices and outdoor areas was made mandatory.
Kirkuk Administration and Governorship Duty
While the Kirkuk administration was under the control of Kurdish political parties between 2003 and 2017, Rakan El-Juburi, of Arab origin, had been the Governor of Kirkuk since 2017. In the city where political disagreements took place, the Provincial Council convened after the election, but the election of a new Governor and Speaker of the Council was delayed.
