ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during an address at a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) election rally in Erbil on Monday, said his dream is for the Iraqi constitution to be implemented fairly and for the disputed territories to return to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

“We have big dreams for the future; what we have done, we have done in the face of all crises and problems. What if we are more powerful in Baghdad, if the constitution is implemented as it is, if our constitutional rights are implemented as they are, if Shingal, Makhmour, and Kirkuk return to Kurdistan's embrace ... imagine how our lives would be then. This is the dream we want to make reality,” Prime Minister Barzani said.

“These elections, much like the others, are important, because this time, we want to defend the constitutional rights of all the people of Iraq, particularly the Kurdistan Region's people,” he added.

Barzani, who is also the KDP’s deputy leader, said his party will not allow Kurds to be treated as second-class citizens in Baghdad; they must rather be viewed as equal partners. “We never accept subordination.”

The premier also highlighted his party’s accomplishments despite the obstacles the Region has faced and challenges imposed by the federal government, coming after a year chock-full of tensions between Erbil and Baghdad due to oil exports and the payment of the Kurdistan Region's civil servant salaries.

“Despite all the obstacles created for us, we responded with projects,” the premier noted, asserting that myriad initiatives, including roads, water recycling and distribution, and round-the-clock electricity, have been completed by the KRG.

The Region has also become one of the most stable and secure places in the Middle East, often being hailed by international partners for its stability and inclusivity.

“The Kurdistan Region has become a sanctuary for all those running away from extremism, unemployment, and underdevelopment,” he stressed, adding, “Kurdistan is one of the most stable countries in the Middle East.”

Campaigning for the federal parliamentary elections began on October 10, with over 7,750 candidates competing for the 329 seats allocated across the provinces under a proportional representation system. Iraqi citizens are set to cast their ballots on November 11.

Iraq’s last parliamentary elections in October 2021 saw a record low turnout amid widespread public frustration.