Erbil:Political tensions within the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) are intensifying as the KDP and the PUK, the two main parties, struggle to agree on power-sharing following the October 2024 elections. The parliament had been unable to convene for two years until a recent session was held on November 4, initiated by the KDP. The session saw participation from various lawmakers, including some from boycotting parties, and resulted in the election of parliamentary leadership.

According to Anadolu Agency, the recent developments have reignited debates over the future of the joint governance model between the KDP and the PUK. The PUK's withdrawal from the current government and threats to establish separate governing bodies highlight the deepening divide. Statements from PUK leader Bafel Talabani suggest a potential return to dual administrations unless an equal partnership is reached.

The historical rivalry between the KDP and the PUK has long shaped Kurdish politics, with past conflicts leading to separate regional administrations. Despite efforts to unify post-2003, recent events indicate a possible formal split, risking the political and administrative unity of the Kurdistan Region. The potential for two separate administrations, centered in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, poses a significant threat to the current structure.

The silence from the United States, particularly from Ambassador Tom Barrack, contrasts with previous efforts to mediate the political deadlock. This lack of intervention may reflect a strategic choice by Washington to focus on strengthening Baghdad rather than engaging in Kurdish internal affairs.

The current crisis evokes memories of past Kurdish struggles, with the risk of losing hard-won constitutional and institutional status. The situation demands urgent mediation to prevent a formal division, with Ankara potentially playing a crucial role in calming tensions. Without concerted efforts to resolve the internal divisions, the KRG faces a precarious future.