Iraq presidential vote delayed as Kurdish blocs struggle to pick candidate

Al JazeeraCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Al Jazeera StaffJanuary 27, 2026 at 03:54 PM

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Iraq's parliament postponed the presidential election, originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, to allow the two main Kurdish parties, the KDP and PUK, to agree on a single candidate. The presidency, a largely ceremonial role, is traditionally held by a Kurd according to Iraq's sectarian quota system. This year, the KDP nominated its own candidate, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, breaking the usual agreement where the PUK holds the presidency. The chosen Kurdish nominee will still require approval from Shia and Sunni blocs in parliament. Following the presidential election, the new president will have 15 days to appoint a prime minister, with Nouri al-Maliki, endorsed by a Shia alliance, widely expected to be chosen.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Marco Rubio 30% Baghdad 40% Iran ×250% Fuad Hussein 50% United States ×250% Sunni ×260% Shia ×460% Nouri al-Maliki ×470% Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) ×270% Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) ×370% Iraq ×790%

Keywords

iraq presidential election 100% kurdish parties 90% nouri al-maliki 80% kdp 70% sunni blocs 70% shia blocs 70% puk 70% political consultations 60% prime minister 60% sectarian quota system 50%