Kurdish Presidency and IHEC express optimism, ensure smooth October 20 elections
Shafaq News/The Kurdistan Region Presidency and Iraq's Independent High ElectoralCommission (IHEC) confirmed that the upcoming parliamentary elections,scheduled for October 20, will proceed without any obstacles.
DilshadShehab, spokesman for the Kurdistan Region Presidency, said at a joint pressconference with Judge Omar Ahmed of the IHEC, "We aim for a fair andsuccessful electoral process, with no obstacles to its conduct."
"TheKurdish Presidency emphasizes the importance of holding elections onschedule."
Regardinghis meeting with the IHEC Chairman, Shehab said, "We aimed to reaffirmsupport for the Kurdish Presidency and discuss election preparations, coveringmany topics."
"We arehappy and optimistic about the success of this operation."
In addition,Shehab pointed out that "the Kurdish Presidency is working to bridgeviewpoints among political parties," noting, "While electoralcampaigns are expected, there is noticeable progress in the competition betweenparties."
The KurdishPresidency spokesman urged political parties to "protect the KurdistanRegion's positive image during the election campaign," highlighting thatall parties and candidates have the right to promote themselves according tothe Commission's guidelines."
In turn,Ahmed announced that "all preparations for the Kurdish elections arecomplete," confirming that "there are no obstacles to holding theelections on the scheduled date."
Furthermore,the IHEC Chairman noted that "international observers will oversee thevoting process in the Kurdistan governorates."
"TheRegional Government will ensure election security and that the voting processon October 20 proceeds smoothly."
Notably,Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani set October 20, 2024, for theKurdistan parliamentary elections. Originally scheduled for June 2024, theelections were postponed after the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) boycotteddue to a federal court ruling that canceled 11 seats for minority groups,reducing the parliament to 100 seats and changing the electoral system. A newruling in May restored five minority seats, leading the KDP to participate. Theelections will elect 100 lawmakers from Erbil, Halabja, Al-Sulaymaniyah, andDuhok.
