Independent High Electoral Commission Receives Official Request for Legislative Elections in Kurdistan Region
In an important development today, the Independent High Electoral Commission in Iraq confirmed the receipt of an official letter from the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, formally requesting the conduct of legislative elections in the region. The commission announced that the possibility and timing of these elections will be thoroughly discussed during the upcoming session scheduled for next week.
The spokesperson for the commission, Jumana Al-Ghalay, addressed the press, stating, "We have received the letter from the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region, which has been duly added to the agenda of the Council of Commissioners. The chairman, along with council members and the head of the Electoral Administration, will engage in discussions with technical staff to determine the feasibility of holding parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region on one of the proposed dates."
Al-Ghalay further emphasized the commission's preparedness to cooperate in facilitating the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region, following the comprehensive deliberations set to take place within the next week.
Earlier today, the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region officially forwarded a letter to the Independent High Electoral Commission, requesting their supervision of the forthcoming parliamentary elections. These elections are anticipated to be organized before the conclusion of this year.
The formal communication, signed by the Chief of Staff of the Kurdistan Region Presidency, highlighted Regional Order No. 90 issued on March 26th, 2023, which designated November 18th as the proposed date for the parliamentary elections in Kurdistan. The letter urged the Independent High Electoral Commission to express its readiness to oversee the elections on the specified date or concurrently with the provincial council elections scheduled for December 18th in Iraq.
This significant development underscores the Kurdistan Region's commitment to democratic processes and the inclusion of its citizens in shaping their political landscape. The Independent High Electoral Commission is poised to review the request thoroughly and provide an informed response, taking into account the technical and logistical requirements of organizing a fair and transparent electoral process.
As the deliberations unfold, the international community and local stakeholders eagerly await the commission's decision, which will contribute to the ongoing efforts in the Kurdistan Region to ensure a representative and accountable government through free and fair elections.