“This is an Iraqi list and we are Iraqis by all criteria. Our aim is to serve the people of Kurdistan,” Saed Hisa Barzinji, a relative of Kawa, told Rudaw, stressing they don't want their list to be seen as purely an Arab list.
Still some family members are disappointed with the decision.
“We are saddened and have cut relations with him due to this,” said Nazanin Kawa Hafid, the great granddaughter of King Mahmoud.
“I will serve in the Iraqi parliament as much as the rest of the 44 MPs with the political parties of Kurdistan, even if I am alone there,” added the candidate, Hisa.
The three provinces in the Kurdistan Region are allocated 46 seats in the Iraqi parliament.
Mustafa Sheikh Kawa was not available for comment.
With Erbil-Baghdad relations improving, but still imperfect, candidates are campaigning to mend relations between these two.
Seeing Arab list campaign banners and hearing slogans is uncommon in the Kurdistan Region.
King Mahmoud established a Kurdish state from 1920-1922, leading uprisings against the British Empire, and declaring himself to be king.
“We all are generations of King Mahmoud and other renowned families and tribes of Kurdistan. There are different classes of people within us, and we have come to serve regardless of region or place,” explained Hisa.
Mahmoud led another revolution in 1930. The charismatic leader garnered nationalistic acclaim.
Sheikh Salar Hafid oversees the shrine of King Mahmoud Barzinji in Sulaimani’s Grand Mosque.
Salar said Mustafa didn’t consult them when he took the responsibility to head the National Wisdom Movement office in Sulaimani.
“It is clear to all who the Hafid family is. The family represents Ahmed Sheikh,” Sheikh Salar said.
The office of the National Wisdom Movement was opened in Sulaimani in January 2018. Other Kurds are running on the list in Sulaimani.
In addition to the National Wisdom Movement, current Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s Victory Coalition and former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi’s Wataniya (National) Coalition have lists in Sulaimani and other places in the Kurdistan Region.
“We predict we will win one to five seats in Sulaimani,” Hisa said.
The PUK and KDP with the most seats in the Kurdistan Region face challenges from new Kurdish parties and Arab parties, particularly in Sulaimani.
Iraqis will vote for 329 MPs on May 12.
