Campaigning for Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections begins as president calls for civility

KURDISTAN REGION — The campaign for the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections officially began at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday and will run until midnight on Oct. 15. Election day is scheduled for Oct. 20, following an unusually long five-day election silence.

The elections will see 100 seats contested in the Kurdistan Parliament, with 95 general seats and 5 reserved for minority quotas. Of the general seats, 30 are designated for women. Sulaymaniyah will hold 38 general seats, Erbil 34, Duhok 25, and Halabja three.

A total of 2,899,578 voters have registered, including 2,683,618 general voters and 215,960 special voters, who include security personnel and prisoners.

There are 1,191 candidates across 136 electoral lists, including 38 representing minority groups. Erbil has 395 candidates, Sulaymaniyah 516, Duhok 266, and Halabja 54. Of these candidates, 823 are men, and 368 are women.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani called for a peaceful and respectful campaign, stating in a message, “This campaign should not become a source of division or tension between parties. Instead, it should reflect a beautiful picture of Kurdistan, showcasing a culture of coexistence, mutual respect, and the rich diversity of Kurdistan society.”

Addressing delays in scheduling the elections, Barzani said, “We have never favored postponement, but in the high interests of the Kurdistan Region, we have postponed these elections several times to ensure full participation of all political parties and communities.”

Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, met with Dutch Ambassador Janet Alberda to discuss the elections. “We are taking steps toward a new phase of governance and administration that aims to improve lives and strengthen our region,” Talabani said.

Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani, leader of the People’s Front, also met with Alberda and emphasized the importance of fair and transparent elections. “We have prepared ourselves for the elections with strong plans and programs and want to make real changes in governance,” he said.

Mohammed Hawdiani, head of the Kurdistan Islamic Union’s Erbil list, criticized the government during the launch of his campaign on Speda TV. “We are facing a government that oppresses the people and squanders the nation’s wealth,” he said.

Ali Hama Saleh, leader of the newly formed Halwest list, also announced his movement’s campaign. “We established the Halwest movement to stand against oppression and injustice. We aim to develop the economy, create jobs, and resolve salary issues,” he said.