EBRIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq's Independent Electoral High Commission (IHEC) on Wednesday addressed over 40 complaints of election campaigning violations, including improper flag placements and unauthorized posters, as authorities have cautioned against the illegal removal of posters. “On the election campaigning days, 44 complaints from lists and candidates were registered with the commission,” Imad Jamil, the head of the IHEC media team told Rudaw. Some complaints to the IHEC related to the placement of flags and how they are displayed. “The nature of some of the complaints,” Jamil said, “include the placement of pictures in unauthorized places and hanging pictures on the walls of government offices.” The official campaign period for the Kurdistan Region elections began on September 25 and ended on Tuesday, with parties holding rallies and outlining their agendas for the upcoming government. Jamil detailed that seven complaints to the IHEC have been accepted, nine dismissed, and 28 are under review, with decisions expected soon. Early voting for the parliamentary election is on Friday and the general vote is on Sunday. He noted that the relevant parties were notified of valid complaints, and some have undertaken steps to address the violations. "The nature of some of the complaints," Jamil said, "was including the placement of pictures in unauthorized places and hanging pictures on the walls of government offices." According to IHEC guidelines, candidates, parties and coalitions have three days after being notified to rectify violations, which may include financial fines or even the revocation of candidacy, party, or coalition validation. On Wednesday, Hemin Mirani, the general director of the interior ministry's chief-of-staff, announced on Facebook that "candidates and political parties are responsible for collecting" campaign posters and flags from streets and buildings following the election. He also warned that those who remove the metal frames holding the posters would face legal consequences. There are 1,191 candidates vying for the 100-seat Kurdistan parliament - 823 men and 368 women - including 38 candidates for five minority quota seats.
