Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), has called for the peaceful resolution of disputes between Erbil and Baghdad and emphasized the need for the Kurdistan Region to draft its own constitution. Barzani's remarks came during a rally in Erbil on the final day of campaigning ahead of the October 20 parliamentary elections.

Addressing a large crowd of supporters, Barzani spoke about the complex political landscape in Iraq, stressing the importance of continued cooperation with Baghdad. “We are working with our friends in Baghdad to prevent Iraq in general and Kurdistan in particular from falling into the fire,” he said, referring to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He underscored the responsibility of both Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region to resolve issues peacefully and avoid further instability.

The KDP leader also expressed optimism about future relations with various political factions in Iraq, stating, “We hope that after this election, all the problems that exist will be eliminated and resolved. We are for a solution, but we will never compromise on our rights.” He highlighted key principles of partnership and political agreement, which were established after the fall of the former Iraqi Ba’ath regime but have yet to be fully implemented.

One of the key priorities for the next Kurdistan Parliament, according to Barzani, will be drafting a regional constitution. “The first task of the next parliament is to write the constitution, amend some laws, and pass others,” he said. He added that it was crucial to erase the effects of previous decisions aimed at weakening the Kurdistan Region.

Barzani called for unity among the Kurdish people, advocating for a single parliament, government, and Peshmerga force. He also highlighted the need to combat drug trafficking and terrorism, warning that these issues pose significant threats to the future of the Region.

In his concluding remarks, Barzani urged political parties to reflect on their past actions and prioritize the protection and advancement of the Kurdistan Region. He called for greater attention to education, health, and infrastructure, pledging that the KDP would continue to work toward more security, services, and opportunities for the people of Kurdistan.

The parliamentary elections are set for October 20, with special voting scheduled for October 18. Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has announced that polling stations will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.