Under the powersharing constitution adopted in 2005 after the American invasion, a Kurd has traditionally held the post of President of the Republic and each time, it has been a member of the PUK.

Ahmed’s late husband, Jalal Talabani, was president for two consecutive terms until 2014.

The current president is Fuad Masum, also of the PUK.

But increasingly there have been calls for someone from outside of the PUK to take on the largely ceremonial role among them former PUK leading member and the Leader of Coalition for Justice and Democracy, Barham Salih.

Ahmed said “I consider the position of the president of Iraq as very essential and [it is] necessary that it remain in the hands of PUK. The PUK leadership must be adamant to maintain that sovereign position.”

She made the remarks after reports that Salih and PUK leading member Bafil Talabani, also Hiro’s son, have agreed on Salih’s candidacy for the post.

“The PUK leadership must nominate a candidate, an experienced comrade, who is committed to the PUK and firm in the struggle and legacy of Mam Jalal [and with his] demeanor to become the president of the republic and fulfill the duties,” Hiro further added.

The first session of the new parliament is set to be held on Monday to elect a new speaker of parliament, which sets the stage for a new president to be chosen.

After that, the president will appoint a new prime minister from the largest bloc in the legislature.

Reporter’s code: 50101