The opposition Change Movement (Gorran), however, has passionately campaigned for a constitutional president that is accordingly elected by the parliament with as few executive powers as possible, something the KDP has categorically rejected.

The Kurdish draft constitution, passed in the regional parliament in 2009 with a overwhelming majority, is in line with the KDP position regarding a more powerful president. But the draft needs to be put to referendum before it is established as the Kurdistan Region’s constitution, something Gorran has opposed due to its concerns for the post of presidency, among others.