Norwegian delegation says Kurdistan referendum was ‘professional, orderly’
A delegation from Norway who observed the Kurdistan Region’s momentous independence referendum on Monday said they were impressed with the “professionalism and order” of the voting process
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – A delegation from Norway who observed the Kurdistan Region’s momentous independence referendum on Monday said they were impressed with the “professionalism and order” of the voting process.
Erik Selle, leader of the Christians Party in Norway, said his team flew to Erbil ahead of the referendum before traveling to Dohuk Province to monitor the counting of ballots.
According to Selle, who has previous electorate experience, the historic independence referendum was “up to standard.”
“What we have seen is professionalism and order,” the Norwegian delegation member told Kurdistan 24.
He added that the international community should support and respect the decision made by the Kurdish people who “have spoken” and “need a place to be free.”
Selle highlighted the injustices of the century-old Sykes-Picot agreement which led to the division of Kurdish land and said the time has come for the international community to rectify mistakes made in the past.
“The international community should respect and accept the process and direction forward chosen by the people of Kurdistan and its leadership,” he added.
Another member of the Norwegian delegation said the world was indebted to the Kurds, particularly the Peshmerga forces who have fought the Islamic State (IS) on behalf of the world.
He also said the negative reaction from neighboring countries in the region—as well as the United States and the United Kingdom—on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) decision to hold a referendum was “expected.”
“I think it would be in the interest of the international community to continue the good dialogue that they’ve had with the KRG,” he said.
The Norwegian delegation was among other European groups who visited the Kurdistan Region to monitor and observe the independence vote.
On Monday, millions of Kurds hurried to polling stations to cast their votes and decide if they want to remain a part of Iraq or establish an independent Kurdish state.
Editing by Ava Homa