UN SRGS for Iraq urges KRG citizens to participate in 'free, fair, transparent' parliamentary elections

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq (UN SRGS), Dr. Mohammed al-Hassan, highlighted the significance of the upcoming elections in the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing their role in revitalizing democracy and addressing citizens' concerns.

The elections will allow nearly 3 million eligible voters across Erbil, Sulaimani, Dohuk, and Halabja to elect representatives to the new regional parliament.

"We came to witness an important day in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, where the people of this Region will be going to the polls on Friday and Sunday to exercise their right to elect their representatives in the new regional parliament," said Dr. al-Hassan.

"It will reinvigorate democracy and inject new ideas into its institutions that will address the people’s concerns. This is all too necessary. The Kurdistan Region has been without a parliament for some time. This election is long overdue," he added.

During his first visit to the Kurdistan Region since assuming his role as Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, Dr. al-Hassan praised the region’s progress over the decades.

"The Kurdistan Region today is a different region from what it was decades ago. I was very impressed by the development and the progress that I have witnessed so far," he noted, while also acknowledging existing challenges. "However, Kurdistan is on the right path towards a better future. Now it is the opportunity to mark that path."

The recently concluded election campaign was marked by overall peaceful rallies by political parties and candidates, which Dr. al-Hassan described as reflecting "the true spirit of a democratic process."

He encouraged voters to participate, underscoring the significance of their right to vote, a right for which "many fellow Kurds have paid the heavy price to ensure it is safeguarded for generations to come."

Dr. al-Hassan also commended the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) for its efforts in organizing a "free, fair, and transparent" election, noting that the UN is supporting IHEC through technical expertise and advice.

 Additionally, international and local observers are involved in monitoring the elections to ensure their integrity. "IHEC has put in place measures and mechanisms to address complaints and any potential problems," he added.

As the elections are underway, Dr. al-Hassan urged voters to make their voices heard. "Make your voices heard and your opinions count. Vote!" he concluded.

The elections, seen as a crucial moment in the Kurdistan Region's political landscape, are expected to shape the region’s direction for the next four years, offering an opportunity for renewed political representation and progress.

Special Voting Details:

The special voting for security forces in the Kurdistan parliamentary elections began at 7:00 AM on Friday and will continue until 6:00 PM. The IHEC is overseeing the entire electoral process.

According to IHEC statistics:

- Total eligible voters: 2,889,878

- Special voters participating today: 215,960

Breakdown of special voters by electoral district:

- Erbil: 89,791

- Sulaimani: 78,661

- Duhok: 46,556

- Halabja: 952

To facilitate special voting, 165 polling stations have been opened across the Kurdistan Region and other Iraqi cities:

- Erbil: 62 stations

- Sulaimani: 57 stations

- Duhok: 33 stations

- Halabja: 1 station

- Nineveh: 4 stations

- Baghdad: 3 stations

- Kirkuk, Anbar, Salahuddin, Diyala, and Wasit: 1 station each

The general election for the sixth term of the Kurdistan Parliament is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20. As the region prepares for this crucial democratic exercise, the UN's support and encouragement underscore the international community's interest in the Kurdistan Region's political development and stability.