Peregraf- Ghamgin Mohammed
Kurdish young people are keenly anticipating their first opportunity to vote; while some view this right as a chance for empowerment, others may be influenced by peer pressure, and some may perceive it as a weapon to penalize political parties.
A comprehensive study conducted by Peregraf reveals that in numerous cities and towns across the Kurdistan Region, many young individuals, particularly those aged 18 and above, are prepared to engage in the upcoming Kurdistan parliamentary elections and have already made their electoral choices.
“Voting is a fundamental right. By retrieving my card and participating on Election Day, I will exercise my right and support the list and candidate who advocates for my interests,” stated Saya Dana, a young resident of Sulaymaniyah. This 18-year-old girl is among those who have enthusiastically received their voting card, which, according to electoral law and the constitution, is an inviolable right that cannot be taken away.
Throughout the Kurdistan Region, over 2.899 million individuals are eligible to vote, having received biometric cards, which are essential for participation as per the regulations set forth by the Iraqi Independent High Election Commission (IHEC). Nabard Omar, Chairman of the Kurdistan Region Board of Elections from IHEC, informed Peregraf that "While some voters are casting their ballots for the first time, we do not have an exact count of how many."
In comparison to the previous Kurdistan parliamentary elections in 2018, the number of citizens of voting age has increased by more than 700,000 for this election, indicating a significant number of first-time voters in the Kurdistan parliament. However, not all of these individuals possess biometric voting cards, which may hinder their ability to participate.
Mardin Omar, a young resident of Halabja, perceives his vote as a powerful tool, asserting, “I intend to wield my vote against the authorities who have deceived us with empty promises for years, and I will hold them accountable.” He emphasized to Peregraf the importance of vigilance among the populace, advocating for the support of new political forces rather than those entrenched in power for extended periods.
A total of 1,191 candidates, representing 136 parties and coalitions or running independently, are vying for the 100 seats in the upcoming sixth Kurdistan parliamentary term.
Dalia Sardar, a young woman from Erbil, finds the platforms and agendas of the candidates unclear. At 19, she is uncertain which candidate can help realize her aspirations. Dalia expressed to Peregraf, “These parties have participated in elections for many years without developing a coherent program, resorting instead to emotional appeals to garner votes.”
Although she has not identified a preferred candidate or list, she plans to vote. “I tend to follow the crowd,” she remarked.
The primary concerns for the youth include a lack of job opportunities and insufficient employment prospects in universities and colleges. The unfulfilled promises of Kurdistan's officials over the years have led to disillusionment among many young individuals.
Zana and Karzan, two young men from Erbil, are eligible to vote for the first time but have yet to complete the biometric voting card registration process. Karzan noted, “The ruling parties have conducted elections for many years, with our parents and relatives supporting them, yet they have achieved nothing, and we all witness the citizens' plight.” He further stated, “I would trade any election for a visa to a European country."
While the youth vote holds significant potential for change, their engagement and participation in the electoral process are crucial, prompting all political parties to seek the support of younger voters.
Kazhin Karim, a young girl from Duhok, emphasizes the significance of elections by stating, “Elections shape the destiny of nations, and it is a national obligation to participate, particularly for the youth. It is crucial for our young people to engage in this process, as they bear responsibility for both domestic and national matters. The youth must approach the polls with awareness and recognize the importance of their votes.”
Many candidates are also youthful. According to the law, individuals aged 25 and above are eligible to run for the Kurdistan parliament under certain straightforward conditions.
Aro Karim, a 19-year-old from Hawraman, has made his voting decision, expressing, “I have selected a candidate who has previously won the admiration of the people and the youth. I have also endeavored to introduce this candidate to my friends to encourage them to vote for him.”
The Kurdistan Region was initially scheduled to conduct parliamentary elections in 2022; however, disputes among political parties led to a postponement until October 20 of this year.
Lawi Dara, a young man from Sulaymaniyah, is preparing to vote for the first time and remarked, “As the son of a martyr who fought against ISIS, I intend to cast my vote in honor of my father's memory and for the political party and land for which he sacrificed his life.”
Eliana Jabbar, a young girl from Tewela town, shares, “This is my inaugural experience participating in the elections. I aim to support a female candidate with my vote and wish her success. I believe it is vital for all girls to vote for women candidates to enhance their representation in the Kurdistan parliament.”
For the first time, the Kurdistan parliamentary elections will take place across four constituencies: Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, and Halabja.
“I will hold accountable the Kurdistan officials responsible for my brother's migration abroad, which led to his tragic drowning in the Aegean Sea, leaving us without his body. I will seek justice for my mother's tears against the authorities who have let down the youth,” stated Lona Rizgar, a young voter from Ranya, in an interview with Peregraf.
A total of 1,266 polling stations have been established for the upcoming polling day in the Kurdistan Region. The majority are located in Erbil, which has 498 stations, followed by Sulaymaniyah with 477 stations, Duhok with 264 stations, and Halabja with 27 stations.
Hakar Zakhoyi, a young resident of Zakho, emphasized, "Voting represents a significant opportunity for citizens to select their rightful representatives. It is crucial for citizens to understand the reasons behind their vote and the candidates they support." He further remarked, "Our engagement must be meaningful and aligned with our aspirations for the future. In this pivotal democratic process, the significance of elections hinges on the awareness and trust of the electorate."