Barzani congratulates people of Iraq and Kurdistan, calls elections a ‘success’

ERBIL – Kurdistan Democratic Party leader Masoud Barzani on Wednesday congratulated the people of Kurdistan and Iraq on the completion of the country’s parliamentary elections, describing the process as a “success.”

“On the occasion of the success of Iraq’s parliamentary election process, I extend my congratulations to the beloved people of Kurdistan and all of Iraq,” Barzani said in a statement. He also offered congratulations to “the families of the honored martyrs, the heroic Peshmerga, and all the diverse communities of Kurdistan.”

Barzani thanked KDP leaders, members, and supporters, as well as the security forces and institutions that helped maintain stability during voting. “I find it necessary to express my gratitude … for their dedication and efforts in ensuring a calm and secure environment,” he said.

He expressed hope that the elections and their outcomes would help guide Iraq “back on the right track.”

The Independent High Electoral Commission said late Tuesday that turnout surpassed 55%, with more than 12 million Iraqis casting ballots nationwide. Preliminary results are expected Wednesday.

Voting took place at more than 8,700 polling centers and 39,000 individual stations staffed by 235,000 election workers. For the special voting held November 9 for members of the armed forces and displaced persons, 1,084,289 security personnel voted out of 1,313,980 registered, a turnout of 82%.