ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Tuesday hailed Iraq’s ongoing parliamentary elections as “among the most important” in the country's history, asserting that the vote marks a “new beginning” for the country.

Speaking at a press conference after casting his ballot, the Kurdish leader lauded the process, saying that “these elections are among the most important elections that have taken place in Iraq so far."

"These elections are important to the Kurdistan Region because we believe that a new beginning has started in Iraq," Barzani explained, adding that Erbil seeks the implementation of the constitution, "which has not been seriously implemented yet."

"The problems between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad must be resolved through dialogue under the framework of a united Iraq," the Kurdistan Region president stressed. "The key to resolving the issues is in Baghdad."

Barzani’s remarks came minutes after over 7,000 polling stations opened across Iraq for more than 20 million eligible voters. A total of 7,743 candidates, comprised of 5,496 males and 2,247 females, are running for the legislature’s 329 seats.

“Elections are meant to bring about change,” Barzani said, affirming that “Iraq has undergone positive changes both in terms of security and stability.”

Polling stations are set to close at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, with results scheduled to be announced within 24 hours of the closure of ballots.