Group of thinkers, activists and journalists call for a ‘civil campaign’

KURDISTAN REGION — A group of intellectuals, activists, academics, and journalists in the Kurdistan Region has expressed frustration over political actions ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, calling for an end to hostile behavior during the campaign period.

Scheduled for October 20, the parliamentary elections will shape the Kurdistan Regional Parliament for its sixth term. Initially planned for 2022, the elections were postponed multiple times due to political disagreements over electoral reforms, seat allocation, and logistical preparations.

Election campaigns are poised to officially begin on Sept. 16, 2024.

Hiwa Said Salim, a coordinator of the group’s statement, told 964media that they are urging political parties to refrain from hate speech and hostile actions. “We call for a civil campaign to protect the Kurdistan Region from a serious threat,” Salim stated.

In their public statement, the group warned that hostile campaigns could reignite old rivalries and political discord. They stressed the need for the election campaign to be conducted “in a civil, peaceful, and democratic manner” and urged parties to respect the election results.

The statement also highlighted the importance of providing equal opportunities for all candidates and avoiding voter pressure. Additionally, it called for an end to the ongoing media conflict between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, which the group said posed significant risks.

Governed by a coalition led by the KDP and PUK, the Kurdistan Region has seen increasing tensions between the two parties in recent years, particularly over governance and resource management. These disputes have often played out publicly, with accusations exchanged between the two sides.

Recently, Muhammad Muhammad Said, director of the Halabja Chemical Attack Martyrs’ Monument, warned that the monument cannot be used for electoral purposes during the upcoming elections.

In mid-August, local officials in the Raparin district raised concerns about the misuse of government institutions for election campaigns, urging the Kurdistan Regional Government to intervene. In previous elections, reports indicated that government buildings had been used for campaign purposes, and public employees had been pressured to support specific candidates. Concerns were also raised over the use of government resources, including vehicles and buses, for campaign activities, questioning the fairness of the process.