Peregraf
Judge Omar Ahmad, head of the Independent High Election Commission (IHEC), emphasized the significant technological advancements aimed at securing the upcoming Kurdistan Parliament elections during a press conference. "This Kurdistan parliament election is completely different from previous elections, as biometric cards and various advanced electronic devices are being used, along with surveillance cameras installed in every polling station," Ahmad stated.
He reassured voters of the integrity of the process, asserting that "the rate of fraud in this election is zero."
Ahmad also highlighted the commission's commitment to professionalism and transparency, adding, "The commission will conduct the elections with the utmost professionalism, transparency, and integrity."
According to Ahmad, all electronic voting machines are fully prepared, and the IHEC is ready to hold the election. Additionally, he noted the growing interest from local and international observers, stating, "So far, nine consulates and eight international organizations have expressed their willingness to participate in the observation of the elections."
The Kurdistan Region is approaching its sixth parliamentary election, set to take place on October 20, following several years of postponements.
Across the Kurdistan Region, nearly 2.9 million voters are expected to participate in the election, which will determine the allocation of 100 seats in the Kurdistan Parliament. A minimum of 30 seats will be reserved for women, while five seats are set aside for minority groups, including three for Christians and two for Turkmen. Initially planned for October 2022, the elections faced delays due to internal conflicts, particularly between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) regarding the distribution of community seats. This discord resulted in the dissolution of the Kurdistan Parliament by the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court, leaving the region without a legislative assembly and consolidating authority within the executive branch.
The elections will take place across four constituencies. The five seats allocated for minority communities will be distributed among three provinces: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. The Christian community will receive three seats—one in each of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok—while the Turkmen community will be allotted two seats, one in Erbil and one in Sulaymaniyah.
The distribution of parliamentary seats by province is as follows:
- Erbil: 34 seats (including two for minorities).
- Sulaymaniyah : 38 seats (including two for minorities).
- Duhok: 25 seats (including one for minorities).
- Halabja: 3 seats.
This election represents the fifth postponement, with previous dates set for October 2022, June 2023, and October 2023, all of which were not adhered to. Since the inaugural elections in 1992, no parliamentary election in the Kurdistan Region has occurred within the legally stipulated timeframe.