Rebwar Taha, the Kirkuk governor and a winning candidate in the Iraqi parliamentary election, stated that he “will not go to Baghdad,” emphasizing his decision to continue serving as governor and focus on the needs of the people.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Taha noted they “will make Kirkuk a different city in the country,” adding it is "a great and historic achievement" for the people of Kirkuk and the Kurdistan Region.

"Collectively, we were able to make the PUK list the winner of Kirkuk," he said.

Voter Participation and Party Support Praised

The governor expressed gratitude to the people and all parties that supported the victory of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) list in the election, highlighting that compared to the 2021 elections, the PUK has increased by 100,000 votes in Kirkuk.

“The voters of Kirkuk communities participated actively in the elections,” Taha emphasized, thanking Arabs, Turkmen, and Christians for backing the party.

He also acknowledged those who did not vote for the party, stating, 'I am confident I am sure they will have another hope to trust the PUK list in the future."'

Call for Cooperation with the KDP

Taha also urged the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) to support the province’s local government.

Leading Vote-Getter Nationwide

Rebwar Taha not only succeeded in his own constituency but also managed to secure the highest number of votes across all of Iraq in the Tuesday general election for the Council of Representatives.

He received a total of 96,000 votes, representing a significant increase from the previous election, which garnered 63,231 votes in 2018 and 5,604 votes in 2014.

After Taha announced that he would not go to Baghdad, Halo Jabari will take his place in the Iraqi parliament.