Peregraf- On the first day of Iraq’s parliamentary election campaign, Deputy Prime Minister and Senior leader of the PUK Qubad Talabani opened the seventh Sulaimani Book Fair and called on voters and political parties to ensure a peaceful race, stressing the importance of understanding why it matters to vote and which party to support.
Using the occasion to address reporters, Talabani urged political forces to act responsibly. “I ask that this campaign be a peaceful one and for people to understand why it is important to vote and why it is important to choose which party to vote for,” he said.
“People should evaluate with conscience. They know what parties are influential in Baghdad and what parties are spectators,” he added, in a remark widely interpreted as an indirect reference to his party’s main rival, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).
On Thursday evening, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also addressed the launch of the campaign, calling on parties and candidates to uphold democratic values and protect the dignity of all participants.
“Everyone should be free to advocate their policies, direction and agenda, but no one should spread hatred,” Barzani said. “Women’s candidacy is very important. Their names, positions and dignity must be protected.”
Barzani emphasized that security forces must perform their duties impartially to safeguard all candidates and ensure a fair electoral process. He also reminded those seeking office in Baghdad that their mission is to serve both Kurdistan and Iraq.
“With unity, solidarity and togetherness, they can better protect the rights, achievements and interests of the Kurdistan Region and Iraq,” he said.
According to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), campaigning will run from October 3 until 7:00 a.m. on November 8, ahead of the November 11 vote. A total of 7,768 candidates have been approved, including 2,248 women and 5,520 men.
Barzani concluded his remarks by wishing all candidates a peaceful campaign and stability for both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.