President Bafel Leads Final PUK Rally in Sulaymaniyah, Calls on Citizens to Vote for 222

P.U.K 04:59 PM - 2025-11-07

PUK President, Bafel Jalal Talabani.

In the presence of Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the final public rally for PUK List 222 was held this evening, Friday, 7 November 2025, at Sulaymaniyah Stadium. Tens of thousands of PUK members, supporters, and citizens from Sulaymaniyah and surrounding areas filled the stadium and its environs to capacity.

PUK’s Independence and Fight Against Corruption

During the grand rally, President Bafel Jalal Talabani addressed the crowd, extending greetings to the attendees, the city of Sulaymaniyah, the wider Kurdistan Region, Iraq as a whole, and the international community.

He said: “Greetings to the city of cities. From here, we turn to the capital, Baghdad, on your behalf. We are your representatives, fighting for your rights and ensuring they are realised. We serve all communities and parties in this country, and this is what distinguishes us from others.”

President Bafel highlighted the widespread hope and confidence in the PUK. “We have visited many areas and witnessed the people’s trust in the PUK. We will work with sincerity and effort to protect your rights. The PUK is the only party that truly represents the citizens of Baghdad. Unlike other parties, which dwell on the past, we focus on building a brighter future for our people. We are moving forward, guiding both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.”

Turning to historical grievances, President Bafel said: “Mr Masoud Barzani called for a peaceful election campaign, yet his words were ignored. Let me speak on important matters. Who brought Ba’athist tanks to shed Kurdish blood after the Anfal campaigns? They did nothing for the people. 31 August is a day no Kurd will ever forget. We showed them no mercy. Afterwards, they claimed, ‘We and Saddam Hussein are not enemies.’ This was the greatest betrayal of the Kurdish people. They committed heinous crimes, traded with ISIS, abandoned our Yazidi brothers, and enriched themselves with our oil and resources—all while speaking of struggle and Kurdish identity.”

He continued: “The PUK and this city are the only ones they cannot buy or control. You are the voices of truth and of Kurdistan. Tell them enough is enough! They arrest our sons, journalists, or any ordinary citizen who speaks out. Sulaymaniyah is filled with those fleeing oppression, and many merchants have left Erbil for fear of confiscation of their funds.”

PUK's Commitment to the People

President Bafel emphasised that the PUK’s only rival is itself. “You all know who is selling our land, creating salary crises, worsening relations with Baghdad, stealing Kurdistan’s oil revenues, and enjoying your wealth while building palaces and luxurious homes. Corruption is rampant across the Kurdistan Region. You also know who shells our villages and kills our children. Why do they remain silent about drones bombing Erbil?”

He stressed the PUK’s unique role in solving national challenges. “You all know who can solve the problems in Baghdad; we are the only ones capable. We alone can liberate Kurdistan and build a brighter future. After all the betrayals, they boast of projects that belong to the citizens. Look at the disparity between cities: many projects exist elsewhere, but in our areas, only local efforts have delivered results. They claim credit for electricity projects—but it is the fruit of the PUK’s struggle and the defence of the gas revolution.”

President Bafel also said: “Election day is near. Voters will decide: will they support those who broke you, delayed your salaries, and steal your wealth daily, or will they support the PUK, which has always worked for you, made sacrifices, and defended your rights? Citizens are aware, and they will vote for the party whose capabilities and power they trust.”

President Bafel Jalal Talabani stated: “We maintain strong relations in Baghdad and defend the rights of all citizens. Three years ago, we amended the budget law to include a clause allowing any province to deal directly with the federal government if Erbil fails to pay employee salaries. President Mam Jalal’s approach guides us, and the PUK continues to implement it.”

He continued: “With the PUK’s influence in Baghdad, we will make Sulaymaniyah the jewel of Iraq and safeguard your legitimate rights. We uphold the rule of law, and we have demonstrated that no one is above it. Freedoms are guaranteed for everyone; criticism is welcome, and our courts retain full credibility. Our aim is to serve the people, not oppress them. Despite the siege imposed on Sulaymaniyah Governorate, we have managed to foster development and prosperity. With the PUK’s power, Kurdistan will shine brighter, and you can rest assured regarding your salaries and livelihoods. We are your power in Baghdad, serving all without discrimination, and we will fight for your rights.”

PUK's Message to the Youth and Women 

Addressing the youth, he said: “We are your representatives—I am your representative. Our party’s doors are open daily for young people to participate in decision-making. We understand your struggles, and from Baghdad, we will strengthen Kurdistan’s economy and provide employment opportunities. This is the PUK’s promise to you.”

Turning to women, President Bafel added: “Who has fought for equality and women’s rights? We have demonstrated our commitment by respecting women’s struggles and supporting them in every field. Our message to women is clear: step forward and support the PUK and List 222.”

He concluded: “The future belongs to you. On election day, vote for List 222, the Kurdistan List. Your list is 222. What I have spoken of today is known to you already. Go to the ballot boxes, green the ballot boxes, and vote for List 222 as the first step towards ending corruption and removing those who steal from the people.”



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