The PUK’s Fourth Party Congress is being held just outside Sulaimani city with members traveling from across the Region and the disputed areas to participate.
The party last held such a meeting in 2010, before the illness and death of longtime party leader Secretary General Jalal Talabani. It has put off the congress several times over fears that it could spark infighting in the notoriously factional party, NRT reported.
The congress was initially scheduled for two weeks ago, but was delayed in order to complete preparations and internal deliberations.
Among the biggest questions to be answered is what the leadership structure will look like following the meeting. The position of Secretary General has been deliberately left vacant since Talabani’s death as a tribute to him and his legacy. His deputy, Kosrat Rasul, has been in nominal control ever since with other power centers existing Talabani’s sons Bafel and Qubad, Zanyari Agency Director Lahur Talabani, Iraqi President Brham Salih, and others.
However, the congress represents an opportunity to select new leadership either officially or unofficially.
Moreover, party activists are hoping that the congress represents a new beginning for the party, where it can again challenge the growing dominance of its historic rival the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) within the Region.
Many are hoping that the congress is also a turning point where young people are brought into positions of responsibility.
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