ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Wednesday underscored the importance of ensuring that state resources are not used for political gain in the upcoming general elections.
Meeting in Baghdad, the two leaders discussed a range of pressing national issues, including preparations for the legislative elections scheduled for November 11, and ongoing financial disputes between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
A statement from the Sudani’s office emphasized that both sides “stressed the importance of not using state resources and human or material capabilities for electoral purposes, and preventing the exploitation of government positions to influence voter will.”
The statement further noted that such measures would help bolster public trust in the democratic process and ensure the elections reflect the true will and aspirations of the Iraqi people. “This will contribute to preserving Iraq’s democratic path and promoting effective participation in the electoral process,” it added.
In addition to election preparations, Rashid and Sudani discussed recent developments in the financial relationship between Baghdad and Erbil.
Tensions escalated between Erbil and Baghdad in late May when the federal finance ministry halted budget transfers to the KRG, accusing the latter of exceeding its 12.67 percent budget share and failing to meet oil export obligations. The halt left over 1.2 million KRG public sector workers unpaid for more than two months.
However, the standoff has eased following renewed dialogue between the KRG and federal government. On Thursday, the KRG’s finance ministry announced it had received nearly 975 billion dinars (around $737 million) from Baghdad to cover May salaries, signaling progress in resolving the dispute.
The move came as part of a recent agreement between the federal government and the KRG which stipulates that Baghdad should resume paying the salaries of KRG civil servants. In return, Erbil is expected to hand over oil produced in the Region, as well as non-oil revenues.
However, key aspects of the deal remain unresolved, particularly regarding the volume of oil the KRG is required to deliver. Kurdish officials have cited a sharp decline in oil production - attributed in part to recent drone attacks on oil infrastructure in the Region - as a major obstacle to meeting the agreed quotas.
