ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) central council member has nominated himself for the position of Iraqi presidency, which has been held by a PUK member in every parliament since 2005. “I have nominated myself for the position of the Iraqi presidency within the PUK. If PUK is given the post, then I will have the chance because I have all the requirements of presidency,” Mohammed Sabir, a member of PUK’s central council, told Rudaw. The central council has sent a letter to the deputy secretary general and the executive board of the PUK’s politburo, which, according to him, has expressed its support for him. “If, following discussions, the position is given to the PUK then the final word rests with PUK’s leadership. I find myself worthy of the position,” Sabir added. Sabir was born in 1947. He joined the PUK in 1976. He has a PhD in nuclear physics. His wife is the daughter of Ibrahim Ahmed, a founder of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and father-in-law of PUK founder Jalal Talabani. His brother is an MP in the Kurdistan parliament. The Iraqi presidency, a largely ceremonial role, has been held by a member of the PUK for three consecutive parliaments. It was held twice by Jalal Talabani and once by PUK co-founder Fuad Masum. Talks over the composition of the next Iraq government are still underway. Naming the new president, prime minister, speaker, and council of ministers could take many weeks, as the government has ordered a full manual recount of votes following allegations of fraud.
