The Kurdistan region belongs to "the Kurdistani people"

[Anthea]

PM Barzani rallies supporters

Barzani opened his speech by expressing confidence in the people of Soran. "I am pleased to see that you have decided the KDP will win," he said

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Masrour Barzani, Vice President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), addressed a large gathering in Soran district on Wednesday as part of the KDP's campaign for the upcoming Kurdistan Region Parliamentary elections. Speaking to supporters of the party’s List 190, Barzani highlighted the historical significance of the region and urged voters to make decisive choices for the Kurdistan Region’s future.

Barzani opened his speech by expressing confidence in the people of Soran. "I am pleased to see that you have decided the KDP will win," he said, adding that the region's revolutionary legacy—home to the September and Gulan revolutions-will inspire another momentous chapter in Kurdish history on election day, Oct. 20.

Gathered at the site of the late Mustafa Barzani’s headquarters, Barzani emphasized the symbolic importance of the location. "These mountains—Handren, Zozik, Qalandar, and Hassan Beg—are where stories of courage were recorded during the September and Gulan Revolutions. On Oct. 20, the people of this region will record yet another story."

Barzani reminded voters of the gravity of the upcoming elections. "When we go to the polls, we are not just voting. We are deciding the fate of our country and how it will be governed. The choices we make will determine the future for generations to come," he said, calling on the public to consider the importance of leadership and vision for Kurdistan's progress.

In his speech, Barzani criticized rival parties, accusing them of failing to present viable solutions to improve the lives of the people. "They don’t have a single slogan focused on improving your living conditions. Their only message is to disappoint the people of the Kurdistan Region," he remarked, referring to opposition attempts to undermine the KDP.

Barzani also highlighted the ongoing challenges the KDP has faced from political rivals. "Since its formation, the KDP has faced numerous parties whose sole objective was to create obstacles to our movement, to prevent the KDP from winning, and to stop the Kurdish people from achieving their goals."

Despite these challenges, Barzani remained confident. "Just as these parties couldn’t stop the KDP in the past, they won’t stop us now. The KDP will continue its struggle, and they will not achieve their unjust goals," he asserted.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/80 ... -elections

[Anthea]

President Barzani: A Victory for Us

is a Victory for All of Kurdistan

Shafaq News/ Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized on Saturday the importance of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament elections to renew its legitimacy

President Barzani said in a speech during a campaign rally in Duhok, followed by Shafaq News Agency, “I, my brother Masrour Barzani, and the leadership of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) are gathered here in this resilient governorate to renew our commitment to Barzani's immortal approach and record another historic victory for the KDP.”

“These elections are very important for the KDP and all the people of Kurdistan,” he added.

The president proceeded, “The elections are crucial to renew the legitimacy of our institutions and represent a mission for the KDP to achieve victory, as the victory of the KDP is a victory for Kurdistan.” Adding, “The victory of the KDP is a guarantor of the rights of all components of Kurdistan and a guarantee of a brighter future for Kurdistan.”

“The region is filled with complexities, and in such a challenging environment, strong leadership and a strong party are essential, and the KDP, without any doubt, represents that leadership and that party,” he noted.

It is noteworthy that in June, President Barzani issued a Regional decree setting October 20, 2024, as the official date for the Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

The October vote is expected to elect 100 new lawmakers representing the governorates of Kurdistan:

Erbil (34 seats, including one for Christians and one for Turkmen),
Halabja (three seats),
Al-Sulaymaniyah (38 seats, including one for Christians and one for Turkmen),
Duhok (25 seats, including one for Christians).

According to the Electoral Commission, a total of 1,190 candidates are running in the upcoming elections.

These candidates are distributed across:

3 coalitions,
13 parties,
85 independents,
39 candidates from minority groups,

The overall number of eligible voters amounts to 2,899,878. Of this total, 2,683,618 are registered for general voting, while 215,960 are listed forspecialvoting.

https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Preside ... -Kurdistan

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Party leaders rally before vote

Politicians on Saturday made appeals to voters at rallies across the Kurdistan Region in the last days of campaigning before a crucial parliamentary election

At a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) rally in Duhok, the party’s two deputy leaders Nechirvan Barzani and Masrour Barzani urged voters to turn out on election day.

“This election is very important for Kurdistan, in order to renew the legitimacy of governance, victory for the Party [KDP] will ensure the rights of Kurdistan and its communities,” said Nechirvan Barzani, who is also president of the Kurdistan Region.

Masrour Barzani, who is also prime minister, called on supporters to vote for “experienced” people who can guide the Region through challenges.

“The future governance of the Kurdistan Region must be in the hands of people who have the trust of the Kurdistan Region people, have experience, do not bow down, are not afraid, and face every challenge head-on,” he said.

In the 2018 parliamentary elections, the KDP won the largest number of seats in the legislature, taking 45 out of 111 spots.

Without the Barzani network, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the brave Peshmega there would be NO KURDISTAN

In Sulaimani’s independent administration, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) held a rally for supporters. Party leader Bafel Talabani’s speech was cut short soon after it began because of the pushing crowd.

“Due to the capacity crowd and your enthusiasm, a number of our loved ones were hurt and for the safety of everyone, we cut our speech short so that no other loved ones would experience discomfort,” Talabani said in a message on X following the rally.

(That will be one of the rallies where Bafel Talabani ordered the PUK to attend and make others attend to make it look as though he was popular)

“Your enthusiasm and sincere efforts for the success of the PUK list will not be forgotten... I will not leave you at any stage and together we will end the self-imposing authority,” he added.

(re self-imposing authority, Bafel Talabani illegally instigated a coup within the PUK to remove the much loved and highly respected Lahur Talabany and other senior political figures)

NOTE: Re Bafel Talabani and PUK, recently proof has been found to connect them with election rigging IHEC investigating, also of drug smuggling the UN are investigating

The PUK, which secured 21 seats in the 2018 vote, formed an alliance government with the KDP and the Change Movement (Gorran).

The PUK is entering the elections following years of wrangling over who would succeed the late Jalal Talabani. In 2020, Bafel Talabani and his cousin Lahur Talabany were legally elected co-chairs. But a year later, Lahur Talabany and many others were illegally ousted from power.

Talabany went on to form his own party, the People’s Front (Baray Gal), in January. On Saturday, he held a rally in Erbil, telling supporters that only his party can “stand against” both the KDP and the PUK.

People’s Front (Baray Gal) must totally replace the evil Bafel Talabani and the now corrupt PUK

“Struggling and standing against these two parties can only be done by us... can be done by Baray Gal,” Talabany said, and asked for the electorate’s support to “save” the Kurdistan Region from the ruling KDP and PUK.

(Lahur Talabany should wake up and work with the KDP to limit the harm done to Kurdistan by the evil Bafel Talabani and other PUK members)

The Kurdistan Region last held parliamentary elections in 2018. The October 20 vote was initially scheduled for 2022 but was delayed several times. Official campaigning ends on Tuesday. Nearly 2.9 million people are eligible to vote.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/121020242

[Anthea]

BCF Distributes 540 Housing Units

to Families of Martyrs

The Kurdish Barzani Charity Foundation (BCF) held an event on Sunday titled the “Hope and Smile Platform,” attended by Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, during which 540 housing units were distributed to the families of martyrs

Prime Minister Barzani addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of the initiative and acknowledging the vision behind the event. The distribution, organized under his patronage, underscored the foundation’s ongoing support for families who have made significant sacrifices.

The BCF, founded in 2005, is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization dedicated to humanitarian efforts and social welfare in the Kurdistan Region. Inspired by the words of the late Kurdish leader Mullah Mustafa Barzani, “It is a pride to be a servant of one’s nation,” the foundation has spearheaded numerous programs to benefit the community.

The distribution of housing units was praised as a concrete effort to honor the sacrifices made by the martyrs’ families and to address their housing needs. The foundation also used the event to showcase its accomplishments and future vision.

The BCF continues to make a positive impact on the lives of many in the Kurdistan Region, working to create a stronger and more compassionate society through its programs.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/863307

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Candidates discuss achievements

concerns for Soran district

Candidates in the Kurdistan Region's parliamentary elections discussed infrastructure projects and concerns over roads in the independent administration of Soran, a week ahead of the vote

During Rudaw’s Chwar Bazna (Four Constituencies) program, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) candidate Zubair Balak argued that while there have been recent infrastructure improvements in Soran, they are not sufficient.

"It is not enough for the level of sacrifices, endeavors, and efforts of the people," Balak said on Saturday during the program hosted by Sangar Abdulrahman.

A week ahead of the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary election, candidates from four parties discussed Soran’s roads and its status as an administration, highlighting achievements, raising concerns, and outlining plans.

Of particular discussion was the main Soran-Choman road that Balak referred to as "the road of death.”

“If I am a representative… my projects will focus more on roads outside Soran city,” Balak said, adding that locals do not benefit from the road nor its traffic and nearby border crossings without political or personal connections.

Having won 21 seats in 2018, the PUK joined the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) with the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), and the Change Movement (Gorran).

People’s Front (Baray Gal) candidate Rebaz Qani' Alanaii said emergency response times also are hampered by narrow, single-lane roads.

"We have programs to build highways between every city, district, and subdistrict," said the candidate from Baray Gal that was formed in January by illegally ousted PUK leader Lahur Talabany.

Ahmed Surchi, a Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal) candidate, questioned the transportation ministry's use of funds: "All the money that the transportation ministry receives… what is it spent on, if not for the roads of the area?”

Some areas in Soran either lack roads or have poor-quality ones which have been neglected, according to Surchi.

KDP candidate Ahmad Mohammed Nouh described the establishment of Soran’s independent administration in 2021 as a significant achievement that has eased bureaucratic processes and benefited growth.

“Forming the independent administration of Soran and separating it from Erbil was one of our biggest achievements,” Nouh said.

In the 2018 election, the KDP won 45 out of 111 seats - the most by any party.

Nour detailed that 424 road projects have been undertaken in Soran by this cabinet and most have been completed. He argued the next government can complete ongoing projects.

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani last month met with Soran supervisor Halgurd Sheikh Najib to discuss future initiatives aimed at enhancing the independent administration’s trade and tourism potential.

Soran district had a population of more than 205,000 people, according to a report released in 2022 by the Kurdistan Region Office of Statistics.

In Soran, years of conflict, neglect, and corruption have left roads in disrepair, with potholes, poor lighting, and substandard maintenance contributing to frequent car accidents.

A World Health Organization report in 2018 identified road traffic injuries as the leading cause of death for those aged 5 to 29 worldwide, with Iraq and the Kurdistan Region recording a traffic fatality rate of 20.7 per 100,000 people in 2016.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/13102024

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PM Barzani Highlights Coexistence

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani laid the foundation stone for two projects in the Ankawa district of Erbil province on Monday

During the ceremony, the Prime Minister delivered a speech expressing pride in living in a country of peaceful coexistence and noted that Ankawa is a symbol of coexistence, peace, and brotherhood.

Ankawa is a Christian-majority district in Erbil. PM Barzani highlighted that three years ago, Ankawa was designated as a district, and it has been growing steadily, becoming the most prominent example of coexistence among different nationalities and religions in the Middle East.

“Some residents were forced to flee Baghdad, the Nineveh Plain, and Syria, seeking refuge in Ankawa, which has become a sanctuary for Christians in the region. While the Christian population is decreasing in other areas, we see that in Ankawa, the number of Christians is growing year by year because they feel safe and at home here. We will continue to support those refugees who wish to return voluntarily and with dignity,” he added.

The Prime Minister announced the foundation of two significant projects in Ankawa. The first project involves the construction of 720 affordable housing units for the Christian community in Ankawa, particularly targeting low-income and tenant families.

These units will be available at very affordable prices with long-term payment plans.

The second project is the construction of one of the largest parks in Ankawa, funded by the investment budget of the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

The park will feature a children’s playground, a sports area, a car park, a fountain, and extensive green spaces, providing a new recreational area for residents.

Finally, the Kurdish Prime Minister shared good news for the residents of Ankawa whose lands were affected by the former Iraqi regime’s military base and the Erbil airport. He announced that they will all receive compensation.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/863419

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Low-financed candidates seek creative ways

to stay in parliament race

As the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region draw closer, low-financed independent candidates are finding inexpensive, creative ways for campaigning to win a spot in the Kurdish legislature

Social media platforms have become a campaign space for all. For Aras Jaafar, an independent candidate from Duhok province, it is the primary outlet where he advocates for jobs to appeal to unemployed young voters.

"I usually get 1,000 to 2,000 views for each live [broadcast on social media], which is better than hanging billboards on the streets that may cause disturbance to the people," Aras told Rudaw.

The race to win a seat in the 100-seated Kurdish parliament has been almost impossible without support from a political party or large donations, and parties in the region financially support their candidates for posting billboards.

Sherzad Abdulwahab, who has nicknamed himself Mama Vandam (Uncle Van Damme) on his Instagram account, appealed to his followers, saying, “the difference between other candidates and me is that other candidates are each given 10 to 20 million [Iraqi dinars] from a major political party and have the support of major media outlets.”

“I may not be able to go from city to city since I do not have a car… but I will reach all cities by a poem or a song. That is a promise,” the Sulaimani-based independent candidate added.

Other independent candidates have turned to friends and acquaintances for printing campaign material. Saadi Rekani has managed to place 20 banners through donations from friends.

“I have two billboards that have not been paid yet,” said Rekani, an independent candidate from Duhok.

Although seemingly effective for some, the strategy has not worked for others.

Dilzar Hassan, an independent candidate in Erbil, said at the start of his campaign he was running to diversify the parliament and get non-party aligned candidates to represent the people in the Kurdish legislature.

Hassan withdrew on Saturday, about a week ahead of the election date and three days before the end of the campaigning period.

“In our country, no independent individual can overcome the dominance of parties, groups, and tribes,” he told Rudaw. “I am not disappointed in my people, but we need stronger civil efforts and media to foster more civility so that individuals can have their own independent voice rather than relying on parties, groups, or tribes.”

According to the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), candidates cannot quit after the electoral body confirms their names.

However, if a candidate announces their withdrawal and gains enough votes for a seat in the legislature, their election will not be confirmed, and they will be blocked from entering the parliament.

1,191 candidates are vying for the 100-seat Kurdistan parliament - 823 men and 368 women - including 38 candidates for five minority quota seats. The vote is set to take place on October 20.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/14102024

[Anthea]

Peaceful Erbil-Baghdad Resolution

Kurdistan Constitution

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), called for peaceful resolution of disputes between Erbil and Baghdad, while also emphasizing the need for the Kurdistan Region to draft its own constitution during a rally in Erbil on the final day of campaigning ahead of the parliamentary elections

Addressing a large crowd, Barzani highlighted the complex political situation in Iraq and stressed 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,” Barzani said, referring the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. “It is the duty of both Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region to avoid this fire and resolve issues peacefully.”

He also emphasized the KDP’s strong relations with various political factions in Iraq, expressing optimism for future cooperation. “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 stated, underscoring principles like partnership, balance, and political agreement that had been established after the fall of the former Iraqi Ba’ath regime but have not been fully implemented.

The KDP leader further outlined the key priorities for the next Kurdistan parliament, focusing on drafting a regional constitution, legislative reforms, and improving services. “The first task of the next parliament is to write the constitution, amend some laws, and pass others,” he said. “It is essential to erase the traces of past decisions aimed at weakening the Kurdistan Region.”

Barzani also urged for enhanced unity among the Kurdish people, calling for a single parliament, government, and Peshmerga force. He stressed the importance of eliminating the drug trade and tackling terrorism, warning that these issues pose significant threats to the future of the Region

The Kurdish leader concluded by calling on all political parties to reflect on their past actions and focus on protecting and advancing the region, emphasizing the need for greater attention to education, health, and infrastructure.

“We need people who are loyal to the people, this country, and the blood of the martyrs,” Barzani stated, pledging that the KDP would continue working 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. On Tuesday, Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) announced the polling station hours for the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections.

In its statement, the commission reminded alliances, parties, candidates, their representatives, voters, observers, and the media that polling stations for the 2024 Kurdistan Parliament elections will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 6:00 p.m.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/863544

[Anthea]

President Barzani committed to

unifying Peshmerga

Kurdistan President Nechirvan Barzani, on Thursday, reassured allies and partners that there is a strong will to unify the Peshmerga forces, adding that progress has been slow, but there is an effort to make the Peshmerga forces a national army

Barzani attended the graduation ceremony of 792 Peshmerga officers in Zakho’s Military College, during which he delivered a speech calling for unifying the Peshmerga forces under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)

“Step by step, we will resolve all problems and obstacles,” Barzani said, “We will reach the end of this process. We are committed to having a unified Peshmerga army. A national army under the command and control of the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Ministry of Peshmerga [Affairs].”

While delivering a speech to the graduating class, President Barzani pointed out that there were 50 women and one Yazidi graduate, stating, “It is a source of pride, and I look forward to seeing more in future classes.”

Although the Peshmerga forces are under the authority of the Peshmerga ministry, the force’s two largest units are divided among the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and Kurdistan’s Democratic Party (KDP).

Unit 70 forces are affiliated with the PUK and Unit 80 forces are controlled by the KDP, making up the majority of the Peshmerga forces, amounting to over 100,000 troops.

Over the past few years, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has put the unification of the Peshmerga forces on its agenda, and while reasonable steps have been taken towards unification and a number of brigades controlled by the PUK and the KDP have been added to the ministry, many remain to do so.

While delivering a speech for Zakho Military College’s 2022 graduating class, President Barzani called for the end of party influence on the Peshmerga forces.

“The people of Kurdistan are asking for a unified Peshmerga force,” Barzani said at the time, adding that the Peshmerga was initially founded to protect the people, not to serve political parties’ interests

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/17102024

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PM Barzani launches Runaki project

to provide 24-hour electricity

Plans are already in place to extend the project to other areas, with several neighborhoods in Sulaimani and Duhok identified for implementation

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday announced the launch of the "Runaki" project, an ambitious initiative aimed at providing 24-hour electricity across the entire Kurdistan Region. The announcement was made during the Prime Minister’s visit to the Shadi neighborhood in Erbil, where the project’s pilot phase has been underway.

During his visit, Barzani personally assessed the electricity situation in several homes and businesses. He expressed satisfaction with the project's success in the area, stating, “Three months ago, the Shadi neighborhood was selected for the experimental phase of this project. I visited several households and employers, and they were delighted with the provision of 24-hour electricity.”

Building on the success of the initial phase, Barzani announced that the second phase would soon commence, starting in Erbil's Naznaz neighborhood, followed by the Bakhtiari neighborhood. The Prime Minister further emphasized that this service would be expanded to all regions, cities, and provinces of the Kurdistan Region.

Plans are already in place to extend the project to other areas, with several neighborhoods in Sulaimani and Duhok identified for implementation. Barzani called on local authorities to cooperate with the government to ensure the smooth execution of the project in these areas.

The Runaki project marks a significant step towards improving the electricity infrastructure in the Kurdistan Region, aiming to provide residents and businesses with uninterrupted power and reduce reliance on generators.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/80 ... lectricity

[Anthea]

President Barzani calls to lift
political influence from Peshmerga

Kurdish Peshmerga forces must be a national entity free from political disputes and the influence of major political parties, President Nechirvan Barzani said on Saturday, amid gradual but ongoing efforts to unify the force

Barzani was in Sulaimani to attend the graduation ceremony of 769 Peshmerga officers, including 48 women, from the Qalachwalan Military Academy. In a speech, he called on political parties to end their influence over the armed forces.

“In the Kurdistan Region, we strongly and deeply believe that our Kurdistan Peshmerga force must be a national, independent force, far from all political disputes and wrangling. This force should belong to Kurdistan and the nation,” said Barzani, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Region’s armed forces.

Although the Peshmerga forces nominally fall under the authority of the Peshmerga ministry, the two largest units are controlled by the two main political parties - the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

“The Peshmerga’s blood is integrated in every part of Kurdistan. Nobody asked which was green and which was yellow. They all gave equal sacrifices for Kurdistan,” Barzani said, referring to the “green” PUK-dominant provinces of Sulaimani and Halabja and the “yellow” KDP provinces of Erbil and Duhok.

Unit 70 forces are affiliated with the PUK and Unit 80 forces are controlled by the KDP. These two units make up the majority of the Peshmerga forces, amounting to over 100,000 troops.

Unification of the Peshmerga forces has been on the agenda of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for several years, and while some progress has been made and a number of brigades controlled by the PUK and the KDP have been added to the ministry, a lot of work remains to be done.

Peshmerga Minister Shoresh Ismail also called on the Kurdistan Region’s ruling parties to assist the ministry “in this national effort to unify the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.”

“This historical task is on our shoulders,” Ismail stressed.

Barzani thanked the US-led international coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS) for helping unification efforts, which he described as “slow, but there is good progress.”

“We would like to ensure the people of Kurdistan and our friends in the international coalition that we are serious and that we will not stop until we unite the Peshmerga,” he said.

While delivering a speech last month at the graduation ceremony of Zakho Military College, Barzani reassured allies and partners that there is a strong will to unify the Peshmerga.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/161120241