ERBIL, Kurdistan Region, Iraq - Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received the head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), Mohamed al-Hassan, urging that Iraq's parliamentary elections to be conducted in a “calm and democratic” manner, avoiding external interference. 

Iraq is poised to hold the general elections on Tuesday, where more than 7,750 candidates are competing for 329 parliamentary seats under a proportional representation system.

Barzani and Mohammed both “agreed on the necessity of conducting the election process in a calm and democratic atmosphere away from interference,” a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said Monday.

They urged that the parliamentary election results be used to “resolve the issues between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government based on the constitution,” noting that the outcome would further strengthen security and stability in the region.

Iraq conducted early polling for its parliamentary elections on Sunday, with over 1.3 million security and military personnel from both Iraq and the Kurdistan Region eligible to cast their ballots two days ahead of the general vote.

The final voter turnout report confirmed that the overall participation in the Kurdistan Region's provinces exceeded 90 percent, marking the highest rates in the country.

Baghdad experienced the lowest turnout rate in the country at 70.37 percent.

Around 20 million people have registered to cast their ballots in the upcoming general election, out of a total of some 29 million who were eligible to submit their biometric data to participate in the process.

Improving public services and the quality of life for citizens in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq overall was among the topics discussed, the statement added.

The KRG has launched several projects in recent years aimed at improving public services through investments in the transportation sector, including the construction of new roads that meet international standards. The initiatives also focus on providing 24-hour electricity to most residents, ensuring clean water supplies through environmentally friendly projects, and preserving underground water resources.

Iraq has faced worsening water shortages in recent years, with analysts warning the scarcity is expected to intensify in the coming years.

In a statement received by The New Region previously, Hassan hailed the Iraqi people’s determination to hold the elections on time, adding that the UN mission is “closely monitoring” the electoral process. 

Hasan also lauded the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), saying that the body has made “significant efforts to ensure that the voting is conducted in a transparent and organized manner.”