Amid a reshaping of Iraq’s political leadership, Nizar Amedi is set to assume office as the fifth Kurdish president of Iraq and a representative of the Badinan region, after securing a notable number of parliamentary votes.

The Era of Mam Jalal and the Rise of Iraq's Status

Following the fall of the Baathist regime in 2003, the Kurds played a key role in the reconstruction of Iraq. Through consensus among Iraqi and Kurdish parties, Mam Jalal (Jalal Talabani) was appointed as Iraq’s first Kurdish president.

Mam Jalal took office on April 7, 2005, serving two terms until July 24, 2014. Throughout his presidency, he was revered as “Sammam al-Aman”—the guarantor of Iraq’s stability—while successfully elevating the nation's standing on the global stage.

Fuad Masum and Crossing Regional Borders

Following Mam Jalal, Dr. Fuad Masum was entrusted in 2014 as the second Kurdish President. Masum, a native of the city of Koya with family roots in Hawraman, this was a sign that rather than confining the presidency to a single geographic base, the PUK demonstrated its commitment to inclusivity across the Kurdistan Region.

Barham Salih: The Student of Mam Jalal in Presidency

From 2018 to 2022, Dr. Barham Salih, a native of Sulaymaniyah, served as President of Iraq. Known as a strong and experienced figure, he was often described as a student of Mam Jalal’s political school, drawing on that legacy to navigate the responsibilities of the office.

Latif Rashid and the Importance of Expertise in Power

On October 13, 2022, Dr. Latif Rashid was appointed President. Holding a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Manchester (1978) and having previously served as Iraq’s Minister of Water Resources, his appointment reinforced the importance of expertise and experience in leadership.

Nizar Amedi: The Representative of Badinan and a “New Face” in Baghdad

Now, Nizar Muhammad Saeed, known as Nizar Amedi, assumes the presidency as a new figure from the Badinan region. Born in 1968 in the Amedi district, he holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Mosul University and brings extensive experience, including:

Service in the office of the PUK’s General Secretary (1993–2003). 

Advisor to three Presidents of Iraq (2005–2022). 

Iraq’s Minister of Environment (2022–2024).

Member of the PUK Political Bureau and head of its bureau in Baghdad.

Nizar Amedi: The Holder of the Highest Vote Count in Parliamentary History

After Mam Jalal, Nizar Amedi has secured the highest number of votes from members of the Council of Representatives. This reflects the PUK’s extensive connections and strong relations with Iraqi political factions. The vote count is as follows:

Nizar Amedi: 227 votes.

Barham Salih: 219 votes.

Fuad Masum: 211 votes.

Latif Rashid: 162 votes.