ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani cast his vote in the Kurdistan parliamentary elections on Sunday, describing the process as “a decisive day” for the people of the Region.

“Today is a decisive day. It is the day of the people. I hope all eligible citizens participate in the elections today and decide on selecting their representatives in the parliament and selecting their next government,” said Prime Minister Barzani after casting his ballot in Pirmam.

The Kurdish premier expressed hopes the process is conducted in a peaceful environment without any issues.

“I hope the people of Kurdistan reward services and honesty today, and punish those parties who play with the fate and rights of the people of Kurdistan,” said PM Barzani.

“I hope Kurdistan is victorious, and I am certain the people of Kurdistan will always be victorious.”

The Kurdistan Region held its long-delayed parliamentary elections on Sunday.

Polling stations across the Kurdistan Region were opened at 7am and will close at 6pm. A total of 2,683,618 people are eligible to vote in the elections on Sunday.

A total of 1,191 candidates are vying for 100 seats up for grabs. Of this number, five seats are reserved for the minorities - three for Christians, and the remaining two for Turkmen.