Erbil, Kurdistan Region—Hoshyar Zebari, former Iraqi Foreign Minister and a prominent member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) political bureau, has publicly supported the recent decision by the judicial body of the High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to bar three Kurdish parties with alleged connections to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) from participating in the upcoming elections in the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Zebari described the move as “the right thing to do and wise,” stressing the importance of maintaining stability and security in the region. He referred to the PKK-affiliated parties as a “cancerous tumor in the body of the region and Iraq as a whole,” underscoring their perceived role in fostering instability and chaos.

The decision by the IHEC’s judicial council has ignited discussions regarding the impact of external influences and militant groups on the political dynamics of the Kurdistan Region. Supporters of the decision argue that excluding these parties is essential to ensure a fair and peaceful election process, free from external interference.

Zebari’s strong endorsement of the IHEC's decision highlights the KDP’s firm stance against any elements perceived as threats to the region’s stability. This sentiment reflects broader concerns within the Kurdistan Region about the influence of groups linked to the PKK, which has been classified as a banned organization by the Iraqi government.

Earlier this week, the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council issued a decree to dissolve several groups and parties affiliated with the PKK, reinforcing the IHEC’s decision to prevent these entities from participating in the elections scheduled for October 20, 2024. This decisive action marks a significant step in the Iraqi and Kurdistan governments’ efforts to eliminate the influence of militant groups from the political landscape.

As the election date approaches, the region’s leadership remains focused on ensuring a stable and secure environment, prioritizing the integrity of the electoral process as a critical component of regional governance and development.