Ali told Voice of America that the agreement would be implemented when the government formation process concludes.

He told Voice of America that, subsequent to their March 3 agreement, the two parties signed a supplementary agreement that specifically addressed the Kirkuk governorship.

“A biased or unbiased candidate has not yet been talked about in the bilateral meetings, but the PUK's settled opinion is that the position should be for the PUK.”

In the interview, Ali identified himself as a potential PUK candidate for the governorship.

Ali's interview largely contradicted many points made by member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) political bureau Kamal Kirkuki during an interview last week, including that there was an active agreement between the two parties on the issue.

Kirkuki also said that an independent should be appointed for the position, rather than someone from the PUK or the KDP.

Acting governor Rakan a-Jabouri has held the position since 2017. On the meantime, the KDP and PUK have been at loggerheads over who to nominate.

Reporter’s code: 50101