The United States, along with Canada, the U.K., the European Union (EU), and nine EU countries, has commended the Kurdish parties in the Kurdistan Region for their efforts in resolving issues through dialogue and emphasized the significance of elections as a fundamental aspect of democracy. State Department Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel expressed this support on behalf of the United States, highlighting the importance of democratic processes.

The elections in the Kurdistan Region, originally scheduled for the previous year but postponed due to differences between the major parties, are now set to take place as announced by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on February 28. The State Department had previously expressed support for the parties' agreement on holding the elections, underlining their commitment to democratic principles.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has also affirmed the need for timely elections during a meeting with German officials on May 5. This signifies a broader reconciliation between the major Kurdish parties, a development that has been encouraged by Western democracies.

The significance of this reconciliation was highlighted when the PUK ministerial team, including Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, participated in a Council of Ministers meeting on May 14. This marked the first time in six months that the PUK had engaged in such a meeting, indicating progress in the reconciliation process.

The consistent support and encouragement from the United States and its Western allies for the elections and the broader reconciliation among Kurdish parties underscore the importance of democratic processes and political stability in the Kurdistan Region. This international backing serves as a catalyst for constructive dialogue and efforts toward a more unified and inclusive political landscape in the region.

As the elections draw closer, the Kurdish parties, with the support of the international community, are expected to continue their efforts to ensure a transparent, fair, and inclusive electoral process. These elections will play a crucial role in shaping the political future of the Kurdistan Region, fostering democracy, and strengthening the stability of the region as a whole.

By Kobin Ferhad