Interior Ministry, preparation for general election, for safety, security
The other element that was discussed in the meeting is to maintain the candidates safe too during election campaign, especially female candidates.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The time for the parliamentary general election in Kurdistan Region, which will be held on October 20th, 2024, is getting closer, and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Interior Minister, Rebar Ahmed announced in a press conference on August 27th, 2024 “all forces will participate in the election protection plan for the purpose of succeeding the parliamentary election in Kurdistan Region”
He underlined that the security and safety are the priorities during the election time. The stability and safe environment are essential elements to manage the election atmosphere with.
Following an important meeting in which the High Security Commission attended, Ahmed highlighted that all the forces will participate in a security plan which will be made with Independent High Election Commission IHEC’s coordination.
“In the meeting, an extensive focus was made on running 'a transparent election in a secure circumstance'” Ahmed stated.
The other element that was discussed in the meeting is to maintain the candidates safety too during election campaign, especially, female candidates.
The Ministry of Interior urged for the cooperation between all political parties in the process and for it to be conducted securely, he said “therefore, to have, in the future, a parliament that can fulfill its duties in terms of legislation,"
According to the announcement by the minister in the press conference, there are more meetings on the way in each province, independent administration zones, local security branches, as well as for the ministries to assist the local branches to deter any potential problems.
In an inquiry, he was asked about facing any technical or types of issues, he explained "wherever voting, polling station or ballots experience any issues we provide alternatives, which they will be already set up. Necessary security will be to all places,"
Concerns about weapons and weapon carriers raised in the press conference, his response came at once, by highlighting that there are strict regulations for weapons, and in the ninth cabinet, the rules have been issued for owning, selling, carrying or distributing weapons.
“We warn people not to be deceived by any of the rumors and don’t take any weapons. The political parties must respect the laws and refrain from such path” He added.
He further warned “anyone who gives weapons out and any individual receives the weapon, the weapon will be taken away, and the person will be taken to court and faces punishment”
In the meantime, the belated employs’ salaries of Kurdistan Regional Government by the Iraqi Federal’s authorities are the main cause for all the public and governmental sectors.
Mr. Ahmed was asked about postponing employees’ salaries by the Iraqi Government. He calmly and firmly responded “before sending out the monthly salary lists of public sector as well as the civil service and security establishments, had been prepared accurately and appropriately”. “Any delays happened, I think it is all excuses, is nothing to do with the auditing, all the requirements have been taken into consideration,”
Mr. Ahmed also underscored that those points were noticed about the salary list, are not to be taken as a base for delaying, believing of having a political intention or will behind pausing the decision for processing monthly salaries, and that is to cause troubles to Kurdistan Region, especially now, preparation for the general election ahead of Kurdistan Region and its government.
Further important enquiry was regarding any curfews to occur between the cities, provinces and surrounding areas during the voting. As he mentioned there are future series of sessions and meetings ahead, his brief answer to that matter was "to discuss it in the future meeting and decision will be made about it at that time,"
"Advising all political parties and everyone to abide by law, freedom and democracy, to have respect for each other, follow IHEC’s instructions, while running the election campaigns and voting, as well deterring any violence, defaming or perpetrating,"
“Hoping for future, a better person to come forward to serve people and their country, not to cause divisions, aslo for the political parties to offer their manifesto, plans and proposals for the people,” He ended his words with at the end of the conference.
