PM Barzani, Al-Abadi discuss elections and federal relations

ERBIL — Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani met Monday with Haider Al-Abadi, former Iraqi prime minister and leader of the Al-Nasr Coalition, to discuss recent developments in Iraq and relations between Erbil and Baghdad.

According to a statement from the KRG website, both sides “emphasized the importance of resolving issues based on the constitution and respecting the federal status of the Kurdistan Region.” The statement added that preparations for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections were also discussed during the meeting.

Al-Abadi’s Al-Nasr Coalition has already announced it will not participate in Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections, set for Nov. 11.

In August, Al-Abadi urged protection of Iraq’s democratic process and reform of past electoral shortcomings during a meeting with academics, journalists, and analysts. “The electoral process is the face of the democratic system, and maintaining it is a national responsibility,” al-Abadi said, stressing the need to prevent vote manipulation and address previous errors.

Statement from Kurdistan Regional Government website:

Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Monday received Haider Al-Abadi, leader of the Al-Nasr Coalition.

The meeting discussed the latest developments and events in Iraq generally, as well as relations between the Kurdistan Regional Government and the federal government. Both sides emphasized the importance of resolving issues based on the constitution and respecting the federal status of the Kurdistan Region.

Preparations for Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections were also part of the discussion.