The sixth parliamentary election in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), scheduled for 20 October after a two year delay, will use electronic voting for the first time. Furthermore, spectators and political party members have raised concern over the potential for electoral fraud. With a diverse array of candidates and a reduction in parliamentary seats from 110 to 100, the forthcoming election results are expected to profoundly reshape the political landscape and shift the balance of power among the region’s political factions.
Regional observers highlight how these elections, unlike previous ones in the Kurdistan Region, present a distinct set of dynamics.
Firstly, the region’s precarious economic conditions and governance issues under Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) control have heightened voters’ sensitivities. Consequently, while the formation of a new cabinet may become more uncertain, the election outcomes are likely to profoundly impact the fate of certain parties and the future of relations between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Region.
Secondly, the results could have substantial implications for budget legislation, Supreme Court decisions, oil and gas legislation, and control over Kurdistan’s customs operations.
Thirdly, the KDP and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), dominant for over 30 years, are influenced by Turkey and Iran respectively. Despite predictions that the KDP will be weakened in the elections, enabling Iran to curb Turkey’s influence in the Kurdistan Region, the parties’ longstanding power-sharing and hegemony make such a shift uncertain.
The election campaign has introduced a new phase of intra-regional tensions, spurred by PUK leader Bafel Talabani’s recent criticisms of KDP’s cooperation with Turkey.
In a speech made in Koy Sanjaq (Koye) on 5 October, Talabani reiterated his objections to KDP’s policies and declared the party’s dominance as finished. “The Kurdistan Democratic Party has monopolised the city’s underground [oil] resources without redistributing income to its residents,” he said. “For years, one party has held control. What have they done for you? We cannot hope to change the mentality of this party. KDP cannot continue to deceive the people of this city.”
Talabani, fervently addressing the crowd, attributed widespread youth unemployment to KDP policies and stressed that the only viable solution to governance issues in Iraqi Kurdistan lies beyond a single-party system.
KDP declined to respond to Talabani’s accusations. Meanwhile, PUK’s Political Bureau member Faryal Abdollah stated in an interview with Voice of America that if electoral manipulation was avoided, the results would be accepted.
Hakim Omar Ahmad, head of the Iraqi High Election Commission in Erbil (Hewlêr), has also announced significant steps to prevent interference and fraud, though violations of campaign laws remain visible in some cities and districts.
In this context, Consulate General Erbil stated: “Campaign season is a vital period in the electoral process. During this time, we encourage voters in the KRI to learn each party’s priorities so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families when voting.”
According to statistics from the Supreme Election Commission of Iraq, 2,899,578 general voters and 215,960 special voters, including security forces, police, healthcare workers, and prisoners, are eligible to participate. Special voters will cast their ballots on 18 October, followed by the general electorate on 20 October.
Recognising the heightened sensitivity of these elections, consulates from nine countries, along with eight international organisations, will oversee the sixth round of Kurdistan’s regional elections to ensure transparency and prevent electoral fraud.
