Exclusive: KDP condemns “political defamation”, calls for democratic Kurdish elections
Shafaq News / On Sunday, Ashwaqal-Jaff, a member of the Central Committee of the Kurdistan Democratic Party(KDP), called on all parties participating in the upcoming Kurdistan RegionalParliament elections to “adhere to democratic principles during theircampaigns.”
Al-Jaff told Shafaq News, "Thedemocratic process relies on the results of the ballot boxes, so it is crucialto avoid attacking the KDP to gain votes."
She noted, "Parties that havedelivered tangible services to their constituents, particularly the people ofKurdistan, should not need to engage in political defamation. Instead, it issufficient for them to organize these services effectively, allowing voters tomake their choices freely in the parliamentary elections."
Warnings Against Electoral Attacks
The KDP Central Committee memberwarned that "attacking and creating problems between the partiesparticipating in the elections is an undemocratic behavior that fosters discordamong a single people living in one place with common interests andgoals."
"The election campaign shouldfocus on presenting achieved projects and future plans to voters calmly anddemocratically."
Al-Jaff considered that "thosetargeting the KDP are the ones who have not provided any services to theirconstituencies and therefore resort to attacking the party to gain electoralvotes."
KDP and Public Trust
Speaking about the party'sperformance, Al-Jaff emphasized the "KDP's confidence in its supporters inthe Region and the projects it has delivered to serve the people," notingthat "the party has defended the Region's entity and people's interests withoutcompromising their rights."
Moreover, she praised the PrimeMinister’s performance, highlighting that he "insisted on ensuring theKurdish people's entitlements according to the Iraqi Constitution, despite thepressures and repeated attacks he faced."
“He did not compromise the rights ofthe citizens in the Region."
Outstanding Issues with Baghdad
Al-Jaff addressed the unresolvedissues between the Kurdistan Regional and federal governments, explaining, "Theproblem is not limited to employee salaries but includes other important issuessuch as Article 140 of the Constitution, Oil and Gas Law, the Federal ServiceCouncil, the Federal Court, Peshmerga rights, Kirkuk militarization, and Sinjarfile."
Furthermore, she confirmed thatIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani's government’s work programaddresses key issues concerning Kurdish people's rights. “Al-Sudani governmentis the first to engage in dialogue with Kurdistan, a long-standing request fromthe Region.”
“This dialogue, grounded inpresenting authentic documents, has highlighted the Kurdish rights in thesematters.”
In this context, Al-Jaff expressedregret over some entities obstructing the implementation of this program,particularly those related to the rights of Kurdish citizens, accusing them of “exploitingcrises and attacking the President of the Region and the Prime Minister todestabilize the situation.”
PUK Statements
Regarding the remarks by BafelTalabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), on the necessityof PUK's approval for any candidate for the Prime Minister of the KurdistanRegion (KRI), she asserted that “the election ballots will ultimately decidewho will become the Prime Minister.”
“Those who have not served thepeople of Kurdistan should avoid attacking the Prime Minister for electoralgains," she pointed out.
Election Preparations
Preparations for the sixth KurdistanRegional Parliament elections are underway amid significant political andeconomic challenges, including complex relations between the Kurdish andfederal governments, as well as various internal issues within the Region.
The Kurdish political arena isbustling with activity as competing parties launch their election campaigns,preparing to attract voters by showcasing past achievements and presenting newvisions for the Region's future.
Election campaigns are urged tofocus on fairness and democratic principles, prioritizing ideas and projectsover personal or political attacks. This call comes amid concerns that someparties might employ undemocratic tactics to secure votes, which could threatenthe political and public unity in the KRI.
On Thursday, the Kurdistan RegionalElection Commission, which operates under Iraq’s Independent High ElectoralCommission, conducted its fifth election simulation ahead of the parliamentaryelections scheduled for next month.
Back in June, President NechirvanBarzani issued a Regional decree setting October 20, 2024, as the official datefor the Kurdistan parliamentary elections.
