Regional tensions might impede Kurdistan elections, says candidate

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A parliamentary candidate from the newly formed Sardam Alliance on Tuesday warned that the escalating tensions in the Middle East might impede the Kurdistan Region’s long-overdue general elections, calling for the parties to be united for a coherent Kurdish front in Baghdad.

The Sardam alliance, a coalition consisting of the Kurdistan Conservative Party, the Kurdistan Workers and Toilers’ Party, and the Kurdistan National Democratic Union, launched its election campaign in Erbil.

“It is important that we have a fair election without anyone interfering, neither from outside nor within the region. As Kurds, we have the capability to show the world, to show Baghdad, and to show everyone that we, the Kurds, are capable of conducting elections and living together in unity,” said Najat Omar Surchi, the head of the conservative party, and the Erbil candidate of the alliance.

Surchi warned against what he called “the violent rhetoric” in the campaigns of some political parties, adding that such rhetoric “does not serve the Kurdistan Region”.

“Serving Kurdistan Region lies in mutual respect. When we go to Baghdad, we should be united in voice and purpose to demand the rights of the Kurdistan Region,” Surchi said.

He also said that due to the ongoing conflict in Iraq and the region, the election might not be held.

“We must not forget that the situation in Iraq and the region is not good. Perhaps, God forbid, that the election may not be held,” Surchi said, reiterating the importance of preserving unity.

Surchi also called on voters not to vote for “weak” candidates in order to establish a strong parliament.

The Kurdistan Region is set to hold its parliamentary elections on October 20, two years after its originally scheduled date. The vote was delayed multiple times, mainly because of disputes between the political parties. The previous parliament voted to extend its mandate in 2022, but that was ruled unconstitutional by the Federal Supreme Court in May 2023.

A total of 1,191 candidates are vying for the 100-seat Kurdistan parliament, according to the Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC). That number includes 823 men, 368 women, and 38 candidates from minority communities.

Early voting for security forces and internally displaced persons (IDPs) is scheduled for October 18, while the general vote will take place on October 20.

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