Kurdistan is set to hold elections; what makes this election significant and distinct?

Peregraf

Saleh Zahir places significant emphasis on the act of voting, viewing it as a fundamental right and a potent instrument for instigating change, which can realign political trajectories and governance structures.

For years, he has been actively engaged in the electoral arena, striving to promote voting and participation as essential tenets of democracy, irrespective of the political party or candidate that receives the people's support.

"It is crucial for Kurdish citizens to utilize this right to become an influential and decisive force in the political landscape and in the decision-making processes," stated Saleh Zahir, an election expert, in an interview with Peregraf. He asserts that "elections have historically served as the most effective means to attain just and progressive governance."

The Kurdistan Region is approaching its sixth parliamentary election, set to take place on October 20, following several years of postponements.

"This election is the most significant since 1992, as it confers legitimacy upon governmental institutions. Furthermore, the electoral landscape has evolved, with deteriorating inter-party relations and the region confronting substantial transformations," Zahir remarked.

The upcoming sixth parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region will occur across four constituencies, with the total number of seats decreasing from 111 to 100.

The recent amendment to the electoral law has resulted in a reduction of the last 11 seats allocated to communities in the Kurdistan parliament to five seats, with their election methods altered to incorporate constituency divisions. The PUK) and other political parties assert that the previous allocation of all 11 seats was exclusively in favor KDP. However, they contend that this election marks a departure from that precedent, as the KDP has already forfeited the 11 quota seats. Consequently, the KDP will be unable to secure a majority of half plus one in the upcoming sixth parliamentary term, unlike in the fifth term.

"Elections reflect the citizens' desire to govern, as it is the electorate who determines their representatives, whether within a party or as independent candidates," commented Sardar Musa, an assistant professor and university lecturer, in his discussion with Peregraf.

According to the Iraqi constitution and the laws governing the Kurdistan Region, voting and participation in elections are established and unimpeded rights for every citizen aged 18 and above, allowing them to elect representatives to parliament every four years.

In certain nations, participation in elections is mandatory, with penalties imposed for noncompliance, while in others, boycotting elections is regarded as a legitimate form of protest.

The distinguishing factor of this election in the Kurdistan Region lies in the second referendum aimed at reinstating trust in the region's legitimate institutions. This statement references prior rulings by the Federal Court that altered the electoral process in the Kurdistan Region and annulled the extension of the fifth parliamentary term.

The sixth parliamentary elections were initially slated for 2022, following the fifth round held in September. However, conflicts between the two dominant ruling parties led to delays, resulting in the parliament extending its term for an additional year until the Iraqi Federal Court dissolved it last year.

Sardar Musa emphasized the significance of citizen participation in this election, highlighting the necessity for the international community to recognize the Kurdistan Region as a constitutional entity with legitimate institutions that represent its populace.

He further articulated that this election could establish a legal framework for the relationship between the Kurdistan Region and Baghdad, while simultaneously alleviating the legislative vacuum that has persisted in the Kurdistan Region for two years, affecting the parliament as the highest legislative and oversight authority.

Nawaf Mikail, a religious scholar, remarked to Peregraf that Islam places great importance on the people's role in forming a new government. He cited historical examples, noting that after the Prophet Muhammad's death, the righteous caliphs were elected through a consultative process, emphasizing the necessity of public participation in elections and allowing individuals to vote for their preferred candidates.

In addition to numerous independent candidates, several new political parties and lists have emerged, competing for parliamentary seats alongside the established Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and other traditional parties.

Nawaf Mikael emphasized the importance of encouraging citizens to participate in the electoral process, stating, "We must all motivate people to go to the polls and ensure they cast their votes, rather than boycotting. Some argue that voting will not lead to change, which is a misconception. It is essential to recognize that voting is both a legal and religious right of citizens. To abstain from voting equates to endorsing dictatorship and disregarding the voices of the populace."

The Iraqi Independent High Election Commission reports a total of 1,191 candidates, which includes 38 representatives from the Christian and Turkmen communities. Of the 100 parliamentary seats, five are reserved for these communities.

Kawar Rasul Nerwayi, a political analyst in Duhok, remarked, "Elections represent the most significant and democratic means of engaging in the political process within any nation. Therefore, it is crucial for every individual to exercise this fundamental right, as it is the sole avenue through which citizens can influence governance in their respective sectors."

Nerwayi further stated, "Elections are vital for the transition of power; thus, active citizen participation is essential. While elections hold importance in democratic nations or those with autonomous entities, they are even more critical for the Kurdistan Region, which is currently undergoing a political transition."

The Kurdistan Region, home to approximately six million residents and divided into the provinces of Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja, boasts over 3.789 million registered voters. However, only 2.899 million possess biometric cards, qualifying them to vote in the sixth round of parliamentary elections.