Masrour Barzani, Deputy Leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), used a major campaign rally on Saturday to forcefully reiterate the party's commitment to securing the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people, with a central focus on the full implementation of Article 140 to resolve the status of Kirkuk and other disputed territories.

Addressing a crowd in Erbil in support of the KDP’s List 275, Barzani declared that the return of Kirkuk to Kurdish administration is a non-negotiable priority. He framed the city’s future as a potential symbol of harmony for all of Iraq.

“Kirkuk must become a global example of coexistence. It is the heart of Kurdistan, and we are ready to defend it with our blood and spirit,” Barzani stated.

In his speech, Barzani criticized political rivals in Kirkuk, accusing them of prioritizing "secret deals" over public service. He positioned the KDP's electoral return to the province as a corrective measure to protect residents' constitutional rights and deliver tangible improvements.

“You’ve tried other political parties—now it’s time to try the KDP in Kirkuk and see what we can do for you,” he urged voters, questioning why the oil-rich city still suffers from a lack of 24-hour electricity and other basic services.

Barzani outlined a development agenda for Kirkuk, pledging to extend infrastructure, electricity, and digital service projects mirroring those in the Kurdistan Region. “We want strategic projects such as the Runaki project, other services, and peace to reach Kirkuk. The people deserve better,” he said.

The KDP leader was unequivocal in his demand for the execution of Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution, which mandates a process to resolve the status of territories disputed between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

“Article 140 must be implemented as written. The constitution cannot be selectively applied based on political interests,” Barzani stressed. “We will continue our struggle in Baghdad to ensure justice, equality, and federalism.”

He announced that the next phase of this struggle would shift from the battlefield to the political arena. “This time, the struggle will not be on the battlefield but inside the Iraqi parliament. With your support, we will take the next battle to Baghdad and make our shared dreams a reality,” he said, promising that KDP candidates from Kirkuk would defend the rights of all communities in the capital.

Calling for national unity, Barzani urged voters in Kirkuk, Khanaqin, Makhmour, Sinjar, and other areas outside the KRG's administrative control to support the KDP. “All these areas must return to the embrace of the homeland. No inch of our land should remain under occupation,” he asserted.

The speech also highlighted youth empowerment, with Barzani praising the younger generation's dedication and pledging to secure equal opportunities, employment, and a dignified life for them.

Kirkuk remains one of Iraq's most volatile flashpoints, rich in oil and characterized by a diverse mix of Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen, and Christian communities. Article 140, passed in 2005, outlined a three-stage process of normalization, census, and a referendum to determine the city's status, but its implementation has been stalled for years due to political deadlock and demographic concerns.