پەرلەمانی کوردستان
Erbil, Kurdistan Region, September 24, 2024
President Nechirvan Barzani delivered a televised address to mark the commencement of the campaign for the sixth session of the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections. The following is the readout of the statement:
My fellow Kurdistanis,
Political parties,
Honorable candidates and political groups,
Good evening,
Tomorrow marks the beginning of the campaign for the sixth parliamentary election of the Kurdistan Region. I call on all parties to follow the law and guidelines set by Independent High Electoral Commission, and to onduct the campaign peacefully and graciously, presenting an electoral program that meets the expectations and hopes of the people of the Kurdistan Region.
Let us ensure that the campaign does not create tensions among parties or divide our society. It should convey a positive image of the Kurdistan Region, reflecting its rich culture of coexistence, mutual respect, and the diversity of Kurdistan's society and communities.
The people of the Kurdistan Region have high ambitions, and there is plenty of room for respectful competition among the parties, lists, and candidates. Everyone is free to promote their policies and programs and to offer critique, but no one should spread hatred or resentment.
In this context, I particularly stress the need to respect the status and dignity of women. Protecting women in general, and their candidacy in the parliamentary election is a key issue for the Kurdistan Region.
Political parties and candidates are not enemies, but rather political competitors. They share an equal commitment to Kurdistan, and our fate is bound together. Therefore, it is our duty to ensure the democratic process is conducted peacefully.
After the elections, the winning parties must once again unite to form a government. Those in opposition should also engage with the government and the institutions of the Kurdistan Region in the areas of legislation and monitoring.
The peaceful coexistence of all ethnicities and religions is a strong foundation for the success of the Kurdistan Region. Together we share the responsibility for the achievements and progress of Kurdistan, and it is our duty to protect this harmony.
Thus, during the election campaign, it is important to respect the symbols and emblems of Kurdistan and all its components. We support the free will of all the communities of the Kurdistan Region. The security forces must ensure the election campaign is conducted peacefully.
My fellow Kurdistanis,
We in the Kurdistan Region Presidency were in talks with the political parties for a long time to end the conflict over the elections. As the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, we have never sought to delay the process; but in the outmost interest of the Kurdistan Region and to ensure the elections proceed with the participation of all political parties and groups, we have reluctantly agreed to several delays.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Federal Government, Prime Minister Sudani, and Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan for their complete cooperation in resolving all issues and to pave the way for holding the election.
We also extend our appreciation to the Independent Electoral Commission, our friends in the international community, the representatives of the countries and the United Nations in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region for their support and assistance in conducting the election.
My fellow Kurdistanis,
The prestige and strength of Kurdistan Region and the renewal of legitimacy of our institutions depend on conducting a fair and free election. For this reason, our friends and partners are monitoring the process in all areas, and we must all work together to ensure its success.
Electing a strong parliament is a crucial opportunity to strengthen democracy, governance, reform, and protect the Kurdistan Region. It is also important for implementing the federal system and safeguarding the constitutional rights of the people of Kurdistan.
I wish for a peaceful campaign and a successful election.
I wish you all the best
