A Historic Vote, A Unifying Leader: Mam Jalal’s Legacy

Iraq 09:42 AM - 2026-04-06

President Mam Jalal

Today, 6 April 2026, marks the twenty-first anniversary of the election of the late Jalal Talabani as President of the Federal Republic of Iraq in 2005 — a milestone in the country’s modern political history.

The vote took place during the fourth sitting of the National Assembly, chaired by Dr Hajim al-Hassani, on the morning of Wednesday, 6 April 2005, at the Conference Palace in Baghdad. In that session, Talabani, nominated by the Kurdistan Alliance, was elected President of the Republic, becoming the first Kurd to hold the office.

Alongside him, Adil Abdul Mahdi of the United Iraqi Alliance and Ghazi al-Yawar of the Iraqis list were elected as Vice-Presidents. The candidates secured 227 votes out of a total of 257, with 30 ballots left blank.

The session opened with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an, followed by an address from the Speaker, who described the moment as a significant phase in Iraq’s transition, as elected representatives moved to establish a new leadership based on democratic principles. Nominations were presented through electoral lists, with Fuad Masum putting forward President Talabani’s candidacy for the presidency.

A proposal to conduct the vote by a show of hands was set aside in favour of a secret ballot, ensuring transparency and reinforcing the credibility of the electoral process. A supervisory committee was formed to oversee the count, which confirmed the decisive result.

In his address to the Assembly, President Talabani expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him, acknowledging the weight of responsibility before both the people and the state. He pledged to uphold democratic values, work closely with the Assembly, and contribute to building a federal system that guarantees rights and freedoms for all Iraqis.

He also emphasised the importance of national unity, calling for cooperation among Iraq’s diverse communities and reaffirming his commitment to strengthening democratic institutions. President Mam Jalal highlighted the need to combat terrorism, restore stability, and advance the political process, including the drafting of a permanent constitution based on consensus.

On foreign policy, he stressed that Iraq would pursue balanced relations with its neighbours and play a constructive role in regional affairs, including support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

President Mam Jalal's presidency, which began in 2005 and was renewed in 2010, came at a critical time as Iraq navigated the post-2003 transition. Widely regarded as a unifying figure, he played a central role in bridging political divides and fostering dialogue among the country’s various components.

His election was not only a political milestone but also a moment of profound significance for the Kurdish people, symbolising their growing role within the Iraqi state. More broadly, it marked a step towards a more inclusive and representative political system in Iraq.

Two decades on, the legacy of President Mam Jalal Talabani continues to resonate, remembered for his efforts to promote coexistence, stability, and democratic governance during one of the most challenging periods in Iraq’s recent history.



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