ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) on Wednesday welcomed the commencement of campaigning for the Kurdistan Region’s upcoming parliamentary elections, voicing their support for “a fair and transparent electoral process.”

 

“UNAMI underscores the importance of ensuring a campaign environment free of violence and intimidation, with participants focusing on the peaceful competition of visions and programs, to enable voters to make informed decisions at the ballot box,” read a statement from UNAMI. 

 

The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on Tuesday announced September 25 as the starting date for the elections campaigning. 

 

According to the IHEC decision, the campaign will last 20 days and conclude five days before voters head to the polls. 

 

The Kurdistan Region is set to hold parliamentary elections on October 20 after several delays.

 

A total of 136 lists with 1,191 candidates will vie for 100 seats at the Kurdish legislature.

 

“UNAMI looks to all candidates, other political actors and the media to foster a climate of respect, inclusivity and open dialogue throughout the campaign,” UNAMI added. “It is crucial for the credibility of these elections to establish a safe and welcoming environment for all candidates and voters, particularly women who often face distinct challenges during electoral processes."

 

The elections were initially set for October 2022 but have been delayed several times since. They were most recently scheduled for June 10, 2024, before being postponed after the Region’s ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announced its withdrawal, demanding changes to the allocation of minority quota seats and constituency seats. The party eventually registered to participate after some of its demands were met.

 

Around 3.8 million people were eligible to vote in the upcoming elections, out of which nearly three million have completed the biometric process and will be able to cast their ballots on October 20.

 

According to the IHEC, there will be more than 1,400 polling stations across the Kurdistan Region.

  

The Kurdistan Region has been divided into four electoral constituencies with 100 seats at the legislature, with five seats allocated for the minorities. 

 

The Kurdistan Region last held its parliamentary elections in 2018.