ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The United Nation’s Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Sunday expressed its support for the Kurdistan Region’s elections as the region holds its first parliamentary elections in six years.

“This is an historic day in Kurdistan, and we congratulate the people of this beloved region on this democratic celebration,” UNAMI Chief Mohamed al-Hassan told reporters on Sunday while visiting some of the polling stations in Erbil.

Hassan commended regional authorities and the federal electoral commission (IHEC) for their work and efforts toward holding the vote.

“This is an important day for the Kurdistan Region and a good day for democracy. It is the way forward,” Hassan said.

“We hope that everything continues as we have witnessed, safe and peaceful. The United Nations is supportive of Iraq and supportive of Kurdistan,” he added.

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.