U.S. Consul General commends KRG for special voting day
In a video message, shared on the US Consulate General X (formerly Twitter) account, with Erbil Citadel in the background and speaking in fluent Kurdish, Bitner highlighted the importance of this process in ensuring a fair democratic procedure.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24)- On Friday, U.S. Consul General Steve Bitner praised the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for its organization of the special voting day for security forces and service members in the lead-up to the Kurdistan Region's sixth parliamentary elections.
In a video message, shared on the US Consulate General X (formerly Twitter) account, with Erbil Citadel in the background and speaking in fluent Kurdish, Bitner highlighted the importance of this process in ensuring a fair democratic procedure.
"We commend the Kurdistan Regional Government for organizing a special voting day on Oct. 18 for service members who are expected to be on duty on Oct. 20," Bitner stated.
The U.S. Consul General also expressed appreciation for the KRG's efforts in providing suitable venues for security force members to participate in the special voting. He emphasized, "to participate in the election is necessary to promote an equitable democratic process."
Bitner underscored the significance of inclusive election participation, noting, "An election is only productive when all who are eligible are able to participate."
We commend the KRG for organizing a special voting day on October 18 for service members who are expected to be on duty on October 20. Arranging accommodations that enable all eligible voters to participate in the election is necessary to promote an equitable democratic process. pic.twitter.com/y6iFabtH4E
— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) October 18, 2024
The special voting day, on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, has seen the participation of approximately 215,000 members of the internal security forces, Ministry of Peshmerga, and Kurdish members of the Iraqi army.
This process is a prelude to the general election scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 20, where the broader populace of the Kurdistan Region will cast their votes.
The U.S. Consul General's statement reflects the international community's interest in and support for the democratic processes in the Kurdistan Region.
It also highlights the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters, including those with special duties on election day, have the opportunity to participate in shaping the region's political future.