The sixth round of parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq began at 7am local time today, with polling stations set to close at 6pm. Approximately 2.9 million voters are expected to cast their ballots to elect 100 members of parliament from among 1,191 candidates, of whom 368 are women. The elections are being held with a 30 percent women’s quota and, for the first time, voters are using an electronic voting system.
KDP accused of coercing security forces in Kurdistan to photograph ballots
These elections follow a special vote for security forces on 18 October which saw a 96.6 percent turnout, with around 29,000 spoiled votes, possibly partly down to people being unused to the new electronic system.
Turkey-backed KDP mobilises 1,500 village guards to vote in KRI elections
The election process is being closely monitored by both international and local observers. Sixteen foreign consulates and 1,830 international observers are overseeing the election, alongside local monitoring teams. Additionally, 109 journalists from 22 international media outlets are covering the elections across the Kurdistan Region. Officials anticipate a higher overall turnout compared to the 2018 elections.
Kurdistan elections: Public anger over Turkey ties could spell trouble for KDP
These elections in Iraqi Kurdistan are significant as they mark the first time since 1992 that parliamentary elections are being held without a sitting parliament. The voting process is under the supervision of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission.
