IHEC investigating alleged election fraud by PUK in Halabja
The alleged incident reportedly took place at the PUK headquarters in Halabja, where police, security forces, and Peshmerga personnel had been voting ahead of the official election day scheduled for October 20.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has launched an investigation into allegations of election fraud by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) in Halabja, according to Jumana al-Ghalai, spokesperson for IHEC. Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Thursday, al-Ghalai confirmed that a complaint had been filed, and the commission’s legal committee is currently reviewing the matter.
Al-Ghalai stated that after the investigation is completed, the legal committee will submit its recommendations to IHEC, which will then determine the appropriate actions to take.
The alleged incident reportedly took place at the PUK headquarters in Halabja, where police, security forces, and Peshmerga personnel had been voting ahead of the official election day scheduled for October 20. According to reports from Kurdistan24, these forces had gathered in the PUK's hall, where voting cards were distributed, and an officer cast votes for the PUK list on behalf of security personnel.
The reports further allege that mobile phones and smart devices were confiscated at the headquarters’ checkpoint, and members of the security forces were threatened with arrest if they disclosed any information about the events inside.
These claims raise serious concerns about electoral integrity, as the early voting process is supposed to allow security forces to cast their ballots freely and transparently. IHEC's investigation will determine the next steps and whether any corrective actions or penalties will be imposed on the involved parties.