Hoshyar Zebari affirms timely KRG parliamentary elections amid regional tensions
"The war between Israel and Hezbollah and other tensions in the region will not affect the parliamentary elections, and the election will be held on schedule. We want a good and competent governance to lead the Kurdistan Region in facing future challenges," he stated.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Hoshyar Zebari, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)’s Political Bureau, has confirmed that the upcoming Kurdistan parliamentary elections will proceed as scheduled, emphasizing the critical role of voter turnout.
"The voter turnout is decisive," Zebari stated during a press conference in Duhok, addressing the preparations for the elections.
Zebari discussed the activities of political parties and the readiness of the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) parliamentary elections.
The general vote for the sixth session of the Kurdistan Parliament is set for October 20, with special voting for the Peshmerga and other security forces scheduled for October 18.
A total of 136 lists and 1,191 candidates, including party-affiliated, independent, and quota candidates, are competing for 100 seats in the parliament.
Despite escalating tensions in the region, including the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Zebari assured that the electoral timeline would remain unaffected.
"The war between Israel and Hezbollah and other tensions in the region will not affect the parliamentary elections, and the election will be held on schedule. We want a good and competent governance to lead the Kurdistan Region in facing future challenges," he stated.
Zebari highlighted efforts to ensure transparency in the electoral process, mentioning that international observers are being encouraged to monitor the elections closely.
"We have asked the consulates and international organizations to closely monitor the Kurdistan parliamentary elections, so that the process is conducted cleanly and free from violations and fraud," he noted.
The IHEC had previously announced that the campaign for the sixth session of the KRG parliamentary elections would commence on September 25 and continue until October 15.
Zebari emphasized the KDP's commitment to a respectful campaign, saying, "The KDP has refrained from insulting and defaming other political figures and parties in the Kurdistan Region. We will respond to all their words, insults, and abuse against the KDP on October 20."
Tuesday marked the deadline for voters to receive their biometric cards for participation in the elections.
Zebari urged those who have not yet received their cards to visit the offices of the Iraqi Election Commission to obtain them.
"The voter turnout is decisive, especially in the Badinan region, which means that the higher the percentage, the more seats the KDP will win in the Kurdistan parliamentary elections," he emphasized.
With the elections approaching, Zebari's remarks underline the KDP's readiness and the importance of voter engagement for a successful electoral process in the Kurdistan Region.