ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani has visited provincial and administrative leaders across the Region, highlighting development projects and reviewing ongoing issues.
Barzani met on Monday with Halgurd Sheikh Najib, supervisor of the Soran independent administration, discussing future initiatives for the district, focusing on its geographical significance for trade and tourism.
“President Nechirvan Barzani acknowledged the potential for further growth across multiple sectors in the region,” read a statement from the presidency, adding they also touched on “the upcoming campaign for the Kurdistan parliamentary elections and the arrangements for the voting process.”
On Sunday, Barzani met with Erbil Governor Omed Khoshnaw to discuss “the current circumstances and quality of services, reconstruction efforts, development initiatives, and ongoing projects in Erbil province and its districts,” according to another statement from the presidency.
Barzani met with Guhdar Shekho, head of Zakho independent administration, to review similar issues of the administration on September 15. Local officials briefed Barzani with an overview of “ongoing work, projects, and activities.”
During last week's visit, the presidency said Barzani met with Duhok Governor Ali Tatar to discuss the province’s specific needs and challenges.
Barzani visited Sulaimani Governor Haval Abubakir on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing Turkish flight ban on Sulaimani’s international airport. Abubakir said in a statement they have requested the president’s assistance in lifting the embargo and further developing the airport.
Throughout these meetings, Barzani emphasized the importance of a successful electoral process, urging parties to respect Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) regulations on campaigning. He called on all political actors to ensure a peaceful and respectful campaign process.
IHEC head Omed Ahmed announced that the campaigning period for the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary elections will start on Wednesday and run through October 15.
With the vote set for October 20, the IHEC has approved a final list of candidates, coalitions, and political parties. A total of 1,191 candidates - including 823 men, 368 women, and 38 minority representatives - are competing for 100 seats.
