PKK-affiliated political party formed in Shingal

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – A new political party affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) was established in Shingal, in the Kurdistan Region, after it was officially recognized by Iraqi authorities.

The PKK-affiliated Ezidi Freedom and Democracy Movement (TEVDA), in Shingal, recently filed an official request to Iraqi authorities to approve the formation of a political party called the Ezidi Freedom and Democracy Party (PADE).

According to a media agency affiliated with the PKK, the new Ezidi party was officially recognized by the Iraqi Parliament on April 30, 2017.

“PADE will be able to participate in future Iraqi elections and will open its offices in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region,” the agency added.

However, laws in the Kurdistan Region instruct any new political party wishing to operate and participate in elections to seek official permission from the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Interior.

Qahtan Ali, the head of PADE, told Kurdistan24 his group is a political party linked to the Iraqi state, adding they do not belong to other political parties or military groups.

“We have requested the Iraqi government to officially recognize our party as a step for declaring a self-administration canton in Shingal,” Ali said.

On Jan. 14, 2016, following the liberation of Shingal by Peshmerga forces, the PKK announced plans to establish democratic autonomy in the region.

At the time, the Kurdistan Region’s Council of Ministers strongly rejected the PKK’s decision to establish a canton in the district of Shingal.

The Council of Ministers stated the move is illegal and against the laws and constitution of the Region and Iraq.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany