KDP President Masoud Barzani, US Ambassador address upcoming parliamentary elections

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) President Masoud Barzani on Saturday received US Ambassador to Iraq, Alina L. Romanowski, in which they discussed the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections, according to a statement from the Barzani Headquarters. 

KDP President Barzani thanked the US for its support and emphasized the party's continuous support for holding elections. Barzani focused on the political strategies that the Iraqi government has been using since 2014, especially the manipulation of the budget to destabilize the Kurdistan Region.

Meanwhile, Barzani called the Iraqi government's attempts to use economic pressure to weaken the Kurdistan Region a purposeful policy of isolation. He mentioned how this tactic was continued by the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq.

KDP President Barzani reiterated the KDP's position in favor of free and fair elections during the meeting. He listed technical issues with electoral commission processes and the distribution of provincial seats.

Furthermore, he called upon the international community and Iraqi political factions to endorse a process devoid of interference, aimed at stability and democratic integrity.

Yesterday, @masoud_barzani, @masrourbarzani, @IKRPresident Barzani & I discussed how important IKP elections are for the interests of IKR, the Kurdish people, & Federal Iraq. I encouraged KDP to work with all Kurdish parties & Baghdad to ensure credible, transparent elections…

— Ambassador Alina L. Romanowski (@USAmbIraq) March 31, 2024

KDP Political Bureau in a statement on March 13 said that they "refrain from justifying unconstitutional and undemocratic elections.”

Read More: We refrain from justifying undemocratic elections: KDP Politburo