By Jawad Qadir
KDP sees a strong mandate as essential for advancing Kurdish interests
The Kurdistan Region is gearing up for parliamentary elections on October 20, 2024, a crucial vote that may shape the autonomous region’s political landscape and relations with Baghdad in the coming years.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) enters the race as the dominant political force. Having secured 45 out of 111 seats in the 2018 elections, the KDP aims to maintain or expand its plurality. The party has emphasized the KDP’s commitment to strengthening Kurdish standing and resolving longstanding disputes with the federal government.
“These elections are about securing a prosperous future for our people,” KDP President Masoud Barzani stated at a recent meeting in Erbil. “The KDP has a proven track record of defending Kurdish rights and promoting economic development. We ask for the people’s continued trust to build on this progress,” the President said.
The KDP faces its stiffest challenge from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), its traditional rival and coalition partner. The PUK, which won 21 seats in 2018, has expressed criticism and called for political reforms. Smaller parties like Gorran (Change) and New Generation are also vying for increased representation, campaigning on anti-corruption platforms and promises of political renewal.
The elections come at a critical juncture for the Kurdistan Region. Tensions with Baghdad over oil revenues, disputed territories, and the status of the Peshmerga forces remain unresolved. The next parliament and government will be tasked with navigating these complex issues while addressing domestic challenges like unemployment and public sector reform.
International stakeholders are closely watching the electoral process. Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), has stressed the importance of free and fair elections.
“Credible elections are fundamental to democratic governance,” Hennis-Plasschaert said in a statement. “UNAMI stands ready to provide technical support and urges all parties to respect the electoral process and its outcomes.”
The United States, a key ally of the Kurdistan Region, has also weighed in. U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Alina Romanowski emphasized Washington’s support for transparent elections during a recent visit to Erbil. “We encourage all eligible voters to participate and for parties to engage in peaceful campaigning,” Romanowski stated. “A strong, democratic Kurdistan Region is vital for Iraq’s stability and prosperity.”
Despite the generally optimistic tone, concerns about electoral integrity persist. Opposition parties have raised alarms about potential voter intimidation and irregularities, particularly in areas dominated by the major parties. The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission has promised robust measures to ensure a clean vote, including the use of biometric voter registration and international observers.
For the KDP, the stakes of these elections extend beyond maintaining its political primacy. The party sees a strong mandate as crucial for advancing Kurdish interests on the national stage and pursuing greater autonomy.
“Our goal is to secure the rights and aspirations of our people through democratic means,” said Hoshyar Zebari, a senior KDP figure and former Iraqi foreign minister. “These elections will give us the legitimacy to negotiate forcefully with Baghdad and chart our own course.”
As campaigning intensifies in the lead-up to October 20, the Kurdistan Region finds itself at a crossroads. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the balance of power in Erbil but also may shape the future of Kurdish standing in Iraq’s federal system. With regional stability and billions in oil revenues hanging in the balance, voters in Kurdistan face a momentous choice.