A coalition comprising Chaldean, Syrian, Assyrian, and Armenian Christian parties and associations has declared their decision to boycott the upcoming parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region. This move comes amidst mounting concerns over what they perceive as an assault on coexistence and a breach of constitutional principles and laws.

The coalition, addressing the press in Erbil province, expressed grave apprehensions regarding the Iraqi Federal Court's decision to invalidate final seats. They attributed this decision to what they termed a historical blunder committed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) to serve their immediate political interests. Criticizing the ramifications of this ruling on communal harmony and democratic processes in the region, the coalition underscored the importance of upholding the existing parliamentary system, which has been in place since 1992.

The coalition's decision to abstain from participating in the elections stems from concerns about the equitable representation of minority groups such as Christians and Turkmen, amid the dominance of Kurdish communities and perceived unequal opportunities. They view the boycott as a rejection of what they perceive as past injustices against their communities by both the Federal Court and the PUK-led coalition.

However, the coalition clarified that their stance is contingent upon the demands of their constituents, leaving open the possibility of participation if circumstances change. Additionally, they advocated for early parliamentary elections as a means to uphold democratic principles and fortify the constitutional framework of the Kurdistan Region.

The declaration was jointly signed by prominent parties and associations representing Chaldean, Syrian, Assyrian, and Armenian communities, including the Chaldean Democratic Union Party, the World Chaldean Alliance, the Syrian Gathering Movement Party, among others.

During the press conference, the coalition also addressed recent decisions by the Federal Supreme Court concerning the Kurdistan Parliamentary Elections, particularly the annulment of quota seats and the reduction of the total number of parliamentary seats from 111 to 100.

The decision by the Christian coalition to boycott the Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections reflects deep-seated concerns about the erosion of democratic values and the marginalization of minority groups. As the region navigates these complex political dynamics, the call for early elections resonates as a potential pathway towards restoring faith in the democratic process.