Even though Kurdistan MPs have proposed seven local candidates who could head the Ministry of Culture in the province, there have been rumours that the position may go to someone from outside the province.

ILNA reports that someone from outside the province is to be appointed to the helm of the Ministry of Culture in Kurdistan, and this has drawn serious criticism from the province’s MPs.

The head of the Kurdistan MPs Society has announced that they are not willing to cooperate with any non-local deputy minister in Kurdistan, saying it is not reasonable to appoint an outsider to a role that requires familiarity with the local culture.

While MP Hamed Ghadermarzi expressed support for most of President Rohani’s inclusivity policies in employing local labour in Kurdistan, he would not agree with the appointment of a non-local candidate to the Culture Ministry’s top job in the province.

In the 2013 presidential election,  82 percent of eligible voters in Kurdistan took part, and about 72 percent reportedly voted for Hassan Rohani.

The Rohani administration has made widespread efforts to promote local hiring in leadership roles, especially in government positions.