"I cast my vote in just two minutes”, says Peshmerga member
"The decision not to vote is a significant mistake. By abstaining, citizens allow others to decide their fate for the next four years. I hope everyone will take part in this democratic process," a Peshmerga told Kurdistan24 reporter.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - As the Kurdistan Region's sixth parliamentary election gets underway, members of the Peshmerga forces are reporting a smooth and efficient special voting process.
Many Peshmerga forces claim they were able to cast their ballots in as little as two minutes, highlighting the streamlined nature of this year's electoral procedures.
The special voting for security forces, including the Peshmerga, began at 7:00 AM on Friday, and will continue until 6:00 PM.
The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq (IHEC) is overseeing the election, with 165 polling stations opened across the Kurdistan Region and an additional 12 in other Iraqi cities to accommodate special voters.
Kurdistan24 correspondents spoke with several Peshmerga members who participated in the special voting across different cities in the Kurdistan Region. The Peshmergas consistently praised the organization and ease of the voting process.
Dildar Nemat, a Peshmerga from the Spilk Command, told Kurdistan24's Ari Hussein, "I cast my vote in just two minutes. The process is running very smoothly, and thankfully, there have been no issues with the voting machines so far."
Nemat added, "Today, as Peshmerga forces, we defended the Kurdistan Region and its constitutional entity with our votes. I urge all citizens to participate enthusiastically in the general voting on Sunday, Oct. 20."
Another Peshmerga from the Zerevani Command shared similar sentiments with Kurdistan24's Shayma Bayiz, stating, "I've participated in several elections, but this one feels different and more crucial. I call on all Kurdistan Region citizens to participate so that we can determine our governance for the next four years with our own hands."
The Peshmerga emphasized the importance of civic participation, adding, "The decision not to vote is a significant mistake. By abstaining, citizens allow others to decide their fate for the next four years. I hope everyone will take part in this democratic process."
The high level of organization and efficiency reported in the special voting process bodes well for the general election on Sunday. As the Kurdistan Region moves forward with this pivotal democratic exercise, the Peshmerga's active participation and encouragement for widespread civic engagement underscore the significance of this election in shaping the region's future.
The general voting for the sixth term of the Kurdistan Parliament is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20. As the special voting concludes, all eyes now turn to the upcoming general election, where the broader population will have their say in determining the political landscape of the Kurdistan Region for the next four years.