KDP calls for peaceful elections as Kurdistan Parliament voting nears
“The KDP believes in a bright future for our citizens,” Sadiq stated. He further highlighted the party’s goal of forming an inclusive government after the elections, ensuring that citizens can maintain stability in the face of current challenges.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Tuesday, Pshtiwan Sadiq, head of the Erbil Leadership Council of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), emphasized the party's commitment to peace ahead of the upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections.
Speaking at a press conference, Sadiq contrasted the KDP’s peaceful campaign with what he described as the militaristic rhetoric of other parties.
“The Kurdistan Democratic Party believes in a bright future for our citizens,” Sadiq stated. He further highlighted the party’s goal of forming an inclusive government after the elections, ensuring that citizens can maintain stability in the face of current challenges.
Sadiq also noted the significance of keeping the election campaign smooth and orderly.
He added, “President Barzani's speech had a great impact on all political parties and the people of Kurdistan. However, the speeches from leaders of other parties have been focused on militarism and chaos.”
Security Measures for Elections
The high-level Security Committee formed by Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), responsible for overseeing the Kurdistan Parliament elections, convened on Sunday to announce several key security measures.
Read More: IHEC Forms Security Committee for Kurdistan Region's Parliamentary Elections
Among the decisions was a ban on mobile phones in polling stations during both special and general voting days, aimed at protecting voter privacy.
Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw confirmed the new rules in a statement to Kurdistan24. "The Security Committee has decided to ban the use of mobile phones inside polling stations to enhance voter freedom," he said.
Khoshnaw added that no curfew would be imposed on election days, and streets would remain open as usual.
He also announced that media outlets intending to cover the elections must register in advance and obtain accreditation from the Independent High Electoral Commission.
Election Campaign and Voter Statistics
The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq officially launched the campaign for the Kurdistan Parliament elections on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
The campaign will continue until Oct. 15. According to the commission, 1,191 candidates and 136 electoral lists are participating in the elections.
The commission also reported that 2,899,578 eligible voters have obtained their biometric cards to participate in the elections. Of these, 2,683,618 will take part in the general voting, while 215,960 will vote in the special process.
A total of 1,431 polling stations have been prepared, including 1,266 for general voting and 165 for special voting.
The elections will take place on Oct. 20, 2024, following a decree signed by Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on June 26.