PUK Puts Transparency in Revenues and Equality in Expenditure at the Heart of Its Agenda

Reports 12:15 PM - 2025-10-26

PUK logo and list number.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has reaffirmed that transparency in revenues and equality in expenditure form a central part of its agenda for the Iraqi parliamentary elections. As outlined in the PUK’s List 222 programme, the party continues to stress that revenues—particularly from oil and gas—must be managed transparently to ensure that the people of the Kurdistan Region truly benefit from their natural resources.

The PUK considers oil and gas to be national assets and the collective property of every citizen in the Kurdistan Region. The party therefore insists that their revenues and expenditures must be clear, accountable, and directed towards public welfare.

Aras Jalal Mahmoud, candidate number 28 on the PUK’s List 222 in Erbil constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK believes that oil and gas are national assets belonging to all citizens of the Kurdistan Region, without discrimination. Therefore, their revenues must be distributed equally and managed with full transparency.”

He added that the PUK is committed to safeguarding the rights of all communities through its parliamentary representatives in Baghdad by supporting the passage of a just and inclusive oil and gas law.

“To this end, the PUK seeks to strengthen financial oversight and auditing institutions to combat corruption and prevent the misuse of public funds,” Mahmoud stated.

Oil and Gas Revenues Must Serve the Welfare of the People

The PUK maintains that the Kurdistan Region’s significant oil and gas revenues should be used to improve the welfare and services of all citizens equally, without favour or discrimination.

Bakhtiar Jamil Mohammed, candidate number 27 on the PUK’s List 222 in the Sulaymaniyah constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “One of the key principles of democracy is transparency in public revenues and expenditures. Given that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq possess substantial income from natural resources, the PUK insists that these revenues be used for the welfare, interests, and services of the people.”

He added that the PUK has consistently advocated in parliament for adopting the oil and gas law, and through its representatives in Baghdad, it aims to protect the rights of all communities across the Region.

Providing Accurate Data to Citizens

The PUK’s candidates have reiterated their commitment to ensuring transparency in the oil and gas sector through their parliamentary work, pledging to provide accurate information to citizens regarding production, revenues, and expenditure.

Ali Mohammed, candidate number 13 on the PUK’s List 222 in the Kirkuk constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK continues to follow the path of President Mam Jalal, as a democratic party that has always valued transparency in all fields—especially in the management of oil and gas, which remain the main source of livelihood for the people of the Kurdistan Region.”

PUK's Agenda for Oil, Gas, Budget, and Revenue

The PUK believes that, regarding oil, gas, and the Kurdistan Region’s share of federal revenues, the Iraqi federal government should:

1. Transparency in Revenues: Implement full transparency in oil and gas revenues and expenditures.

2. Federal Oil and Gas Law: Enact a federal law that guarantees the rights of all communities and regions.

3. Diversification of Income: Work to diversify sources of income and reduce dependence on oil by developing agriculture, industry, and tourism.

4. Constitutional Budget Share: Ensure that the Kurdistan Region receives its full constitutional share of the Iraqi general budget without unfair deductions.

5. Financial Oversight: Strengthen auditing and financial oversight institutions to prevent corruption and the illicit extraction of public funds.

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union Coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



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