WATCH: People across Kurdistan Region vote in historic referendum

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – People across the Kurdistan Region on Monday visited voting polls to cast their ballots in the historic independence referendum.

Voting began Monday at 8:00 a.m. local time where over five million people were eligible to vote, according to the Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission (IHERC).

Kurds, Arabs, Christians, and more—old and young—began casting their votes as soon as polling stations opened.

After placing their votes, voters took to the streets right outside polling stations to sing, dance, and rejoice.

In the Daquq district of Kirkuk Province, Kurds and other ethnic and religious components voted on the historic day followed by celebrations.

People across the Region were enthused and proudly waved their ink-stained fingers, a symbol of freedom and democracy.

A local church rang its bell in Erbil’s Christian enclave of Ankawa to mark the beginning of the voting for the referendum, calling it an Eid of their own.

An independent Kurdistan has been the long-awaited dream for over 40 million stateless Kurds across the world.

The Kurdish leadership has repeatedly stated the referendum is a path to achieving the greater goal of independence.

According to Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani, if the “Yes” vote wins the majority, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will engage in a serious and constructive dialogue with Baghdad regarding their bilateral relations in the future as two independent neighbors.

The voting hours were extended, and polling stations are now open from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time.

Editing by Ava Homa