Electoral Judicial Panel dismisses all complaints over Kurdistan Region parliamentary election results

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Electoral Judicial Panel, under the Supreme Judicial Council, has rejected all complaints concerning the final results of the Kurdistan Parliament election, held on October 20, officially concluding the electoral process.

In a formal letter issued today, the panel informed Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission of its decisions. “The Judicial Panel for Elections has exercised its full authority and finalized decisions on all complaints related to the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary elections,” the statement read.

Jumana Ghalay, IHEC’s spokesperson, confirmed: “All complaints have been rejected.”

Allegations of fraud had surfaced, primarily from the Kurdistan Justice Group and the National Stance Movement, which secured three and four seats, respectively. Other parties dissatisfied with their results also voiced similar concerns.

The complaint process, which began on October 31, saw 41 cases filed across the Kurdistan Region: 25 from Sulaymaniyah, 12 from Erbil, three from Duhok, and one from Halabja. With all complaints resolved, the IHEC Board of Commissioners will proceed with formally endorsing the results.

The Oct. 20 election, supervised by IHEC, resulted in the Kurdistan Democratic Party winning 39 seats, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan securing 23 seats, and the New Generation Movement obtaining 15 seats. Five seats are reserved for minority groups, completing the 100-member chamber.

Once the IHEC finalizes the results, the President of the Kurdistan Region must summon the new parliament to convene within 10 days. If this does not occur, the parliament will automatically convene on the 11th day, as mandated by Article 3 of the parliament’s bylaws.

On Nov. 16, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani urged political parties to prioritize regional interests and engage in constructive dialogue to form a government that addresses public needs.

The KDP and PUK have announced the formation of a joint delegation to engage with other parties regarding government formation. Meanwhile, the New Generation Movement has yet to clarify its stance on joining the government or remaining in opposition. Other parties, including the Kurdistan Islamic Union, National Stance, and the People’s Front, have declared their intent to stay in opposition. The Justice Group has announced a boycott of parliament entirely.