Kurdistan: the Glorious Past and the Exciting Future

[Anthea]

Decision on Overseas Voting

Kurds living abroad have voiced concern over a decision by Iraq’s Independent High Election Commission (IHEC) to bar Iraqi citizens living abroad from participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections, calling it a violation of their constitutional rights

Sarhad Ghafouri, head of the sixth branch of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Europe, told Kurdistan24 that despite having renewed their biometric registration and holding valid voting cards, Kurds in the diaspora have been denied the right to cast their ballots.

“Although Kurds in the diaspora have valid biometric cards, the commission has deprived them of the right to vote,” Ghafouri said. “We have decided to return. Hundreds of other Kurds abroad are on their way back to Kurdistan to vote.”

He explained that KDP branches abroad are organizing efforts to support the electoral process and the KDP’s List, which aims to defend the rights of the Kurdish people in Baghdad — rights he said “have been increasingly undermined by the federal government.”

Ghafouri also criticized IHEC’s decision not to set up ballot boxes abroad, calling it a clear breach of electoral law. “It is the second election, ballot boxes will not be placed abroad, which is against the law guaranteeing every Iraqi the right to vote and exercise their personal rights,” he said. “The commission knows that the Kurdish nation is wise and capable of defending its constitutional rights through parliament, which is why it has deprived us of this right.”

He noted that in previous elections, Kurds consistently participated in large numbers across European countries, where the Kurdistan Democratic Party received the majority of votes among Kurdish parties.

“The KDP has always earned the highest number of votes in Europe,” Ghafouri said, emphasizing the party’s strong support among the Kurdish diaspora.

IHEC announced in September that voting for the upcoming parliamentary elections will take place exclusively within Iraq, with no polling stations set up abroad. However, Iraqis living abroad who possess valid voting cards will still be able to return home to cast their ballots in their respective provinces.

IHEC spokesperson Jumana al-Ghalai said that, as in the previous parliamentary election, ballot boxes will not be placed outside the country. This marks the second consecutive election cycle in which voting for Iraq’s Council of Representatives is confined to domestic polling stations.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/897582

[Anthea]

KDP Says It Distrusts Iraq’s Electoral Commission

The head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) politburo executive body, Fazil Mirani, said his party does not trust the working methods of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), describing the upcoming parliamentary elections as important but “not decisive”

In an interview with Al Hadath channel on Saturday, Mirani said all Iraqi political forces must cooperate to address the country’s challenges. “Neither the situation of the Sunnis in Iraq is better than that of the Kurds, nor is the situation of the Shias better than that of the Kurds, so we must all work together to improve the situation,” he said.

He noted that the Kurdistan Region remains stable, with election campaigns progressing peacefully. “The security situation in the Kurdistan Region is stable, and thank God, no terrorist acts have occurred so far,” he added.

Mirani stressed that the KDP values not only the stability of the Kurdistan Region but also that of all Iraq, emphasizing the party’s belief in partnership and consensus. “Our message to the region and Iraq is that we are for the return of partnership, balance, and consensus. We are working to establish stability in the country and we want Iraq to become a sovereign country,” he said.

Addressing the electoral process, Mirani said the KDP has “legal observations” about the IHEC’s procedures. “As the KDP, we do not trust the commission’s working methods,” he said, expressing concern over transparency and fairness

He added that the party preferred the single-constituency election system over the multi-constituency one, arguing that under the current system, “any Kurdish candidate needs more than 20,000 votes to enter the Iraqi parliament.”

While describing elections as an important democratic practice, Mirani said they were “not decisive” in Iraq’s political reality. Still, he expressed confidence in the KDP’s strength, saying the party could secure “one million votes” in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

He added that significant political steps would follow the elections, reflecting the KDP’s strategic plans for governance and stability.

According to Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission, the campaign period for the sixth session of parliamentary elections began at midnight on October 3 and will end on November 8, ahead of the general vote set for November 11, 2025.

Across Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, 21,404,291 citizens are eligible to vote—20,063,773 in the general vote and 1,313,980 in the special vote. A total of 38 political parties, 31 alliances, and 75 individual lists are competing, with 7,768 candidates—5,520 men and 2,248 women—registered

IHEC spokesperson Jumana Ghalai told Kurdistan 24 that 540 campaign violations have been recorded so far, including 62 committed before the official start of the campaign, all of which were fined. The commission has also disqualified 837 candidates from the elections.

Ghalai said that after voting ends, candidates will have one month to remove campaign posters and banners from public places. If they fail to do so, the commission, in coordination with municipal authorities, will undertake the task and deduct the cost from deposits paid by the candidates.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/897758

I have not trusted Iraq’s Electoral Commission since it sided with Bafel Talabani and the PUK in last years election. We all knew that the PUK was intimidating the voters at the polling stations

Sadly most of them were far too afraid to protest or put in official complaints, especially as they were told to do so would cost them their jobs

We all know that the traitor Bafel Talabani has been working with Iraq’s Electoral Commission, that was why he was so confident he would do well in last year's elections

[Anthea]

PUK, KDP campaign on disputed areas

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) both campaigned on messages of doing more for neglected or disputed areas in rallies held in Koya and Sheikhan on Saturday, two and a half weeks ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary election

Sheikhan, a disputed district in Nineveh, is the spiritual center of the Yazidis and home to diverse Kurdish, Christian, and Muslim communities. Its political significance stems from its position as a contested area between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), where the KDP maintains strong influence

“There is a lot more in our agenda to do for Sheikhan,” KDP deputy leader Nechirvan Barzani told supporters at the rally.

“The KDP has always tried to represent all components of Iraq,” he said, adding that the party wants to curb the migration of Christian communities and “help them stay on their own land.”

“It is a pleasure to see religious figures from Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis sitting here together,” he added.

Nineveh is among Iraq’s most important electoral battlegrounds, with 34 parliamentary seats contested by Kurdish, Sunni, and Shiite candidates. While Kurds and Sunnis dominated previous elections, Shiite parties are working to expand their presence in the province.

The KDP has set itself the goal of getting one million votes in the November 11 election. The party won 31 seats in the 2021 election, including nine from Nineveh. With 175 candidates nationwide - 61 of them in Nineveh - the KDP is fielding the largest list of any party in Iraq

“The party’s strength in Baghdad is the strength of Kurdistan,” Barzani said in Sheikhan.

“Our goal in Baghdad is the implementation of federalism and the constitution,” he added. “For 20 years, Iraq has suffered great disasters because it did not implement the constitution. Failing to do so does not only harm Kurdistan - Baghdad, Nineveh, and Basra have suffered equally from it.”

PUK leader Bafel Talabani on Saturday criticized the lack of public services in Koya, a town located in Erbil province.

Speaking at a campaign rally, Talabani said the area “is neglected, forgotten, and not served.”

He vowed that his party “will not enter a government unless we know that all cities in Kurdistan are seen and served the same way.” His comments were seen as a criticism of the KDP.

Best if the traitor Bafel Talabani stays out of government

The PUK and KDP are still in talks to form the next cabinet of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) cabinet, a year after the regional parliamentary elections. Addressing the political deadlock, Talabani said the PUK would not join the new government without firm guarantees of reform and equitable power-sharing.

Koya lies along the faultline between areas controlled by the KDP and PUK, making it a symbolic venue for Talabani’s message of unity and fairness.

“We promise all of Kurdistan to treat every side the same,” Talabani said, stressing equality regardless of party affiliation or community background.

Since the start of the election campaign in early October, Talabani has underscored the PUK’s regional connections, citing partnerships with Kurdish parties in Syria, Iran, and Turkey, as well as ties with neighboring governments.

“I ask you to send us to Baghdad this time with more seats, with more votes,” he said, arguing that real decision-making power lies in the Iraqi capital. “Decisions about large projects are in Baghdad… it is us in Baghdad who can deliver your rights.”

The PUK maintains close relations with parties in Baghdad, particularly the Shiite-led Coordination Framework that backs Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. The party presents itself as a counterweight to its main rival, the KDP, in both Erbil and federal politics.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/251020253

[Anthea]

Barzani Urges International
Recognition of Kurdish Genocide

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), has called for stronger international recognition of the Kurdish genocide and justice for its victims during an international conference held in Duhok

Speaking at the event, attended by families of Anfal victims, officials, and foreign delegates, Barzani said the Kurdish people have endured decades of systematic persecution and genocide, particularly in the last century.

He recounted a series of atrocities committed against the Kurds, beginning with the targeting of Faili Kurds between 1975 and 1980, during which 12,000 young men disappeared after being expelled from their homes and stripped of their property.

“The fate of the people of Kurdistan has been pain and oppression throughout history,” Barzani said. “From 1975 to 1980, they started with the Faili Kurds. Thousands were expelled, and 12,000 young men were disappeared — to this day, no one knows where their graves are.”

Barzani added that many Faili and Barzani men were taken to Akashat and al-Qaim, where they were allegedly subjected to chemical experiments. He went on to detail subsequent atrocities, including the Barzani Anfal of 1983, the widespread Anfal campaign of 1987–88, and the chemical attacks in the Balisan and Khoshnawati valleys, as well as the Halabja massacre of March 16, 1988 — which he described as the “culmination” of crimes against the Kurdish people.

He also referred to the 2014 Yezidi genocide committed by ISIS as “a tragedy that bleeds from the heart,” emphasizing that the Kurdish nation has repeatedly suffered “step by step” yet continued to stand for freedom and humanity.

“These crimes are so great that they will never be forgotten,” Barzani said. “But come and see the greatness of this nation — when the Kurdish people rose up in 1991, they did not seek revenge, even against those who destroyed 4,500 of our villages.”

Barzani stressed that the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s federal government share a moral and legal responsibility to compensate victims of the Anfal campaign and other genocides. He cited Article 132 of the Iraqi Constitution, which obliges the state to compensate those affected by previous regimes.

“It is a moral duty for justice to take its place,” Barzani said. “Grave crimes have been committed, and it is the duty of the federal government to compensate those people because it is the heir of the government that committed these crimes.”

He thanked the Iraqi Parliament, which recognized the Anfal campaign as genocide in 2008, as well as the Swedish and British parliaments for similar recognition in 2012 and 2013. He urged other governments and parliaments around the world to take the same step, calling it “a sacred duty.”

Barzani concluded by expressing gratitude to the people of Muthanna Province for assisting Kurdish teams in locating mass graves of Anfal victims, and to researchers and forensic experts working to identify remains.

“We pledge to our martyrs and their families that we will continue our efforts until the last breath to recover as many of our martyred loved ones as possible,” he said.

The Duhok conference aims to strengthen international awareness of the Kurdish genocide, promote justice for its victims, and ensure such atrocities are never repeated.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/897861

[Anthea]

KDP VP Masrour Barzani
Urges Massive Turnout for KDP

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Masrour Barzani, Vice President of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), issued a forceful call for high voter turnout at an election rally in Soran Independent Administration on Tuesday, framing the upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections as a critical battle for Kurdish rights and showcasing new service projects to bolster his party's campaign

Addressing a crowd of supporters for the KDP’s List 275, Barzani argued that a strong KDP presence in Baghdad is essential to prevent others from deciding the Kurdistan Region's fate.

"We need to participate in this election so that others do not decide for us," Barzani stated. "Your true representatives—loyalists of the KDP and Barzani—can defend your rights in the Iraqi parliament. Therefore, we must support them... to achieve a significant victory."

Positioning the KDP as the region's indispensable political force, Barzani declared, "I can tell you one truth: no party has achieved anything without the KDP." He asserted that the KDP is "the strongest political party in Kurdistan" and aims to leverage that strength in the federal capital to "defend the constitutional rights of the Kurdish people and all Iraqis."

From Promises to Projects: A "Prosperity Revolution"

Shifting from political rhetoric to a governing record, Barzani sought to contrast the KDP with its rivals by highlighting concrete achievements and announcing new initiatives.

"We don’t just make promises; we fulfill them," he emphasized, outlining what he termed the KDP's "prosperity revolution."

He delivered a key announcement for the local audience: "I want to share this good news with the people of Soran: this Thursday, the Runaki program in Soran will commence, providing 24-hour electricity for everyone." He further pledged to expand this solution to the entire Kurdistan Region by next year, addressing a chronic issue that has plagued Iraq for three decades.

Barzani also pointed to recently opened infrastructure, like the Soran Gateway Bridge, as evidence of the KDP-led government's commitment to service. "What we have accomplished in building economic infrastructure is part of our ongoing projects," he said, also citing advancements in irrigation, water supply, and the digitization of government services.

A Call for Trust and a Defiant Stance

Appealing directly for voters' trust, Barzani cited two reasons: to continue serving the public and to secure a powerful mandate that would "disappoint all the enemies of Kurdistan and elevate it to a brighter future."

He struck a defiant tone against the party's opponents, both historical and current. "The enemies have tried to stop us before, but we told them in the previous elections that they cannot succeed," Barzani said. "This time, our words are not just slogans; we have proven through action that we can deliver."

As the rally concluded, Barzani linked the KDP’s future to the historic struggles of the Kurdish people, invoking the sacrifices of the Peshmerga to energize supporters for what he called a "decisive election" crucial for defending Kurdistan's achievements in the Iraqi parliament.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/87 ... s-in-soran

[Anthea]

PM Barzani Pledges Continued Infrastructure

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday inaugurated the Samaqoli–Gomaspan two-lane road project, celebrating the completion of a key infrastructure promise made a year ago and reaffirming his government’s commitment to developing modern roads and promoting tourism across the Region

Speaking at the opening ceremony, PM Barzani said the successful completion of the project reflects the Kurdistan Government’s (KRG) determination to deliver on its pledges despite ongoing financial and political challenges.

“After a year when we promised to deliver on this project, we are now here to say that we have fulfilled another promise,” the Prime Minister said. “Despite all the crises and economic challenges, we stand before the people of Kurdistan to say that if there is strong will and sincere patriotism, nothing is impossible.”

The Prime Minister explained that the new two-lane road is part of a larger strategic plan that begins in Erbil and will eventually connect to Sulaimaniyah province and the Independent Administration of Raparin, helping facilitate travel and trade across major parts of the Kurdistan Region.

The project, he noted, also aims to reduce traffic congestion and accidents, supporting the broader “road construction revolution” that has already improved transportation safety across the Region.

He also called on citizens to adhere to traffic laws and maintain road safety, emphasizing that “the instructions issued by the Ministry of Interior and the Traffic Police are all for the safety of citizens.”

Turning to environmental protection, PM Barzani urged the public to keep Kurdistan clean and preserve its natural beauty, warning that those who pollute the environment could face legal consequences.

“Kurdistan is our great home, and it is our duty to protect this house and keep it beautiful,” he said.

He also stressed that the newly inaugurated project is part of a comprehensive master plan to transform the area into a major tourist destination, boosting both local tourism and the economy.

“Our dream is for Kurdistan to become a place that benefits both our citizens and visitors from across Iraq and abroad,” PM Barzani said.

Concluding his speech, the Prime Minister expressed optimism about the KRG’s continued development drive.

“I am very happy to see that such projects are completed one by one,” he said. “God willing, our Kurdistan will be more prosperous day by day, and you will be safe and sound.”

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/897221

[Anthea]

Erbil Christians Reject PUK Leader’s Remarks

Representatives of Christian civil society organizations in Erbil province have strongly criticized recent statements and threats by Bafel Talabani, president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), describing them as harmful to social peace and coexistence in the region

The statement, issued on Sunday, reflects the position of a broad coalition of community groups, including intellectuals, teachers, employees, farmers, academics, youth, and retirees. The organizations emphasized their long-standing role in fostering stability, recalling how Christians had historically provided Mar Yousif Church in Ankawa as temporary parliamentary meeting spaces during times of political difficulty.

“We have always been a source of peace, a catalyst for understanding, and a factor for establishing stability in the Kurdistan Region,” the statement said. “We do not accept anyone using the name and image of Christians as a tool to threaten other parties for narrow partisan interests or electoral propaganda.”

The communiqué raised questions about Talabani’s political record, including his role when Latif Rashid, President of Iraq (and his relative), withdrew republican decrees affecting church leadership, his response when PUK cadres filed a lawsuit in the Federal Court to abolish quota seats for Christians in the Kurdistan Parliament, and his stance regarding Rayyan Sadiq, a self-proclaimed co-leader of the PUK allegedly overseeing a militia occupying several Christian villages in the Nineveh Plain.

The civil society representatives said Talabani’s remarks are “far from the truth” and risk destabilizing the region’s delicate social fabric. They reaffirmed their national and historical commitment to maintaining coexistence, dialogue, and peace across Kurdistan

The statement was collectively signed by major Christian organizations in Erbil, including the Chaldean Cultural Association, Mar Ouda Agricultural Association, Family Teachers’ Club, Ankawa Social Academic Center, Shamsa Performance Team, Ankawa Employees’ Club, Armenian Rights Support Organization, Suraya Media Organization, Hadyab Association for Capacities, Shaqlawa Organization for Youth Development, Ankawa Retirees’ Forum, Ankawa Social Youth Club, and the Armenian Cultural Association.

Christians in the Kurdistan Region, though a minority, have historically played a stabilizing role in local politics, maintaining strong cultural, educational, and social contributions while navigating broader regional conflicts. The response to Talabani’s statements underscores their continued vigilance in safeguarding both communal rights and broader societal harmony ahead of Iraq’s parliamentary elections.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/898260

I did not realise that Bafel Talabani was a relation of Iraqi President Latif Rashid, that explains a lot about Talabani's underhanded deals

[Anthea]

Barzani Emphasizes Article 140

Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, president of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), met with Arab sheikhs and elders from Makhmour district on Monday, encouraging them to actively participate in Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections and support parties that have defended their areas

According to a statement from Barzani’s office, he expressed appreciation for the Arab leaders’ “positive role in protecting their areas” and for promoting “coexistence and brotherhood between Kurds, Arabs, and other communities.”

Barzani described the participation of local sheikhs and nobles in the elections as vital, stressing that residents should “vote for the party that has played a role in protecting their areas, in order to normalize the situation and implement Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution.”

During the meeting, Barzani also discussed political developments in Iraq and the wider region, highlighting the ongoing challenges facing the political process.

Article 140 of Iraq’s Constitution outlines a roadmap for resolving the status of disputed territories, including Makhmour, through normalization, census, and referendum.

The KDP has long advocated for its implementation to determine whether these areas should be administered by Baghdad or the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/898308

[Anthea]

KDP pushes on Sudani bloc

Senior Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) figures Nechirvan and Masrour Barzani on Sunday urged voters in the Kurdistan Region’s eastern Sulaimani province to rally behind the party in Iraq’s upcoming legislative vote, highlighting development pledges and the need to boost Kurdish influence in Baghdad.

Meanwhile in federal Iraq, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s coalition distanced itself from a candidate over alleged forgery.

I do NOT trust al-Sudani as he is related to the traitor Bafel Talabani

KDP First Deputy Leader Nechirvan Barzani called on Sulaimani voters to back the party, stressing their role in advancing the party’s record of development and governance.

“The KDP responds to people’s support with services and development. That is why I see the KDP becoming more and more popular in Sulaimani,” he told crowds at a campaign rally in Sulaimani, urging “the people of Sulaimani to give the KDP a chance to show how prosperity and welfare can increase in this area.”

In the last federal elections, held in October 2021, the KDP won 31 seats in Iraq’s parliament. This year, with 175 candidates nationwide, the party is fielding its largest list to date.

The KDP officially launched its election campaign in mid-October under the slogan “Partnership, Balance, and Consensus.” Days later, Nechirvan Barzani, who also serves as President of the Kurdistan Region, called on supporters to help the party reach “one million votes and more” in the election, slated for November 11.

“Do not forget you are also an important part of the ‘1 million… and more’ campaign,” he said Sunday. “We want to strengthen the KDP, and we want the KDP vote to increase in this area.”

The senior KDP figure also highlighted major investment plans for Sulaimani and the neighboring Halabja province. “Rest assured that the KDP’s programs for this area are grand,” he stated, expressing regret that “the shortcomings in this area are a source of great grief for the Kurdistan Democratic Party.”

Voters in disputed / stolen territories urged to turn out in large numbers

Under the Baath regime (1968-2003), Iraq implemented Arabization policies across disputed regions, especially oil-rich Kirkuk, displacing hundreds of thousands of Kurds, Turkmen, and Assyrians and settling Arab families in their place. Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution mandates normalization, census, and referendum to determine the final administrative status of these areas

The KDP’s first deputy said full implementation of the federal constitution remains essential to Kurdish rights, arguing, “There is a federal constitution in Iraq, but the authority and administration remain centralized, not federal.”

“It is our national duty for all of us to vote,” he added, saying Kurdish influence in Baghdad hinges on turnout.

The KDP's Second Deputy Leader Masrour Barzani also reiterated the call to reclaim Kirkuk and other disputed territories, saying Iraq stands “at a crossroads” between centralization and defending constitutional rights through strong KDP representation

Noting that the KDP faces no competition in the Kurdistan Region in the anticipated ballot, he emphasized, “This time we must compete in Baghdad.”

Under Masrour Barzani’s premiership, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) launched service projects, including the Runaki (Light) initiative - a 24-hour electricity program launched in October 2024. On Thursday, Erbil’s electricity ministry said the project now serves around 4.5 million residents across the Region, including over 1.3 million people in Sulaimani. Water infrastructure projects are also expected to extend to Sulaimani.

Nabard Omar, director of Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in the Kurdistan Region, told Rudaw on Sunday that 41,000 additional voter cards will be delivered in the Region on Monday. Some 413,000 cards had already been distributed, with 25,000 uncollected, he said.

Meanwhile, IHEC media team member al-Hassan Qabas told Rudaw that invitations have been sent to “90 Arab and foreign countries, including embassies, consulates, and important election-related organizations,” to monitor the vote. Domestic party monitor registration closed Thursday, with final figures pending verification and ID issuance.

Environmental concerns

With the federal legislative elections only eight days away, Sanan Abdullah, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Board of Environmental Protection and Improvement, criticized political parties for disorganized campaigning, warning that banners and posters on public property have damaged urban aesthetics and greenery.

“Specific places for election campaigning should have been designated, not as seen now, where greenery, trees, poles and every place is covered with election campaigns materials," he said. "This causes great harm to the environment, especially hanging banners on trees, which can cause them to dry out over time."

Abdullah added that parties have one month after the election to remove these materials or municipalities will do so at their expense, noting that the KRG spends 50,000 dinars (around $38) to collect each ton of waste, a cost that will double if rules are ignored.

Armed groups, power blocs and disqualifications

Abu Ali al-Askari, the military commander of the powerful Iraqi armed group Kata’ib Hezbollah, said in a statement on his official Telegram channel that the upcoming election represents “a major challenge” that will shape Iraq for the next two decades.

He also urged members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) - the Iran-aligned umbrella organization of Iraqi armed groups to which Kata’ib Hezbollah belongs - to vote for the Huqooq Movement, the group’s political wing.

Askari also stated that the position of parliament speaker “will be reserved for a new face,” rather than returning to any of the previous holders of the post.

For its part, the Reconstruction and Development list, led by Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani, announced Sunday it has distanced itself from candidate Hussein Saeed over “document forgery.” Lawbreakers have “no place” in the coalition, the bloc said.

The move came against the backdrop of a Wednesday decision by Iraq’s electoral body, the IHEC, to remove Saeed for alleged certificate forgery. On Friday, Saeed filed a complaint accusing Sudani of using state resources for campaigning.

Sadr unmoved on boycott

Meanwhile, influential Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr again denied backing any electoral list, calling related rumors “fantasies and lies that the corrupt and saboteurs are spreading.”

He instead shifted focus to tribal meetings over the continued water shortages in Iraq’s two main rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, saying affected communities “have lost everything.” His office recently thanked supportive tribes for observing his call to boycott.

Meanwhile, hundreds of farmers rallied Saturday in Iraq’s southern Diwaniyah, Muthanna, Najaf, Karbala and Wasit provinces, demanding overdue compensation for drought-related crop losses and threatening to boycott the November 11 vote.

"There should be no elections if there are no compensations," one protester said in a video that has been widely circulated among Iraqi users on social media. "Just as they deprived you of farming, deprive them of seats,” he added. Protesters accused officials of breaking promises and neglecting farmers’ rights over the past ten months.

Elections are scheduled for November 11

According to the IHEC, around 21.4 million eligible voters have renewed their biometric cards, signaling potential participation in the upcoming ballot.

A total of 31 alliances, 38 parties, 23 independent candidates and 56 quota candidates will compete for 329 parliamentary seats, including nine reserved for minorities. More than 7,700 candidates are registered to run, with over 39,000 polling stations planned across 8,703 centers, in addition to special and displaced-voter stations.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/031120251

[Anthea]

KDP deputy leaders push development record

The Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) First Deputy Leader Nechirvan Barzani and Second Deputy Leader Masrour Barzani, stepped up their campaigning efforts on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming federal legislative elections, underlining the importance of popular support and pledging to build on their party’s record of development as the ballot approaches in just seven days

“Greetings, respect, and love from the depths of my heart and my brother Masrour’s to everyone,” Nechirvan Barzani told the crowd, expressing his “great pride” in belonging to “a party with such dedicated and loyal supporters.”

Highlighting the legacy of KDP President Masoud Barzani, who “taught us to work hard and speak little,” Nechirvan Barzani underscored the importance of the discipline and strong performance that define the party.

The KDP officially launched its campaign in mid-October under the slogan “Partnership, Balance, and Consensus.” In the last federal elections, held in October 2021, the party won 31 seats in Iraq’s parliament. This election, with 175 candidates across Iraq, marks the KDP’s largest list to date.

“The KDP was founded to serve the people… our goal is to serve our nation and its citizens,” Nechirvan Barzani said, further praising the party’s Second Deputy Leader and Kurdistan Region Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, for his leadership and progress in improving public services despite ongoing challenges.

“Masrour Barzani, as the Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) - our Prime Minister - has ensured that the provision of services to the people of Kurdistan continues despite all the challenges and obstacles faced and those yet to come,” he said.

Under Masrour Barzani’s premiership, the KRG launched major service initiatives, including the Runaki (Light) project - a 24-hour electricity program rolled out in October 2024.

On Thursday, Erbil’s electricity ministry said the service now reaches around 4.5 million residents across the Region, including more than 1.3 million in the Region’s eastern Sulaimani province. Water infrastructure projects are also set to expand to Sulaimani.

Echoing prior KDP statements this election season, Nechirvan Barzani reiterated Tuesday the Region’s constitutional rights “have been violated,” stressing the party’s commitment to federalism and upholding the constitution.

Kurdish leaders from both the KDP and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have repeatedly accused Baghdad of violating the Iraqi constitution - a message that has emerged central to both parties’ ongoing electoral campaigns.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also addressed the crowd in Duhok, thanking Nechirvan Barzani and urging support for his party’s message.

“I thank my brother Nechirvan Barzani, the President of the Kurdistan Region, for his lovely speech. That is the KDP message, and he delivered it on our behalf to all of you. We hope you all support the KDP message,” he said.

“We have continued with development and have never stopped,” he noted, adding, “Our obligation is to serve the people of the Kurdistan Region. There have been many programs to grow the Kurdistan Region’s economy.”

Dilshad Shahab, a Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) central committee member and spokesperson for Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, told Rudaw on Tuesday that the ‘one million votes and more’ campaign - championed by Nechirvan Barzani - “has heated up not only the KDP’s campaign, but also the campaign of the Arab parties.”

Farhad Atrushi, leader of the KDP list in Duhok, said Tuesday, “What is obvious and no one doubts that the KDP has a lot of voters in Duhok province, previously we had more than 402,000 votes in Duhok.”

“The PUK wants to secure half a million or more in Duhok, but we are thinking realistically,” he added.

Duhok has 779,000 eligible voters for the Iraqi parliamentary election and 12 seats, with one reserved for the Christian quota. A total of 59 lists and independent candidates are competing in the province.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/041120252

[Anthea]

Life Path Project Marking
New Era of Growth

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Wednesday, laid the foundation stone for the “Life Path” project in Erbil, describing it as a key step toward urban development and environmental improvement in the city

In his speech during the ceremony, PM Barzani said the project was launched in response to public complaints about the poor and unhealthy conditions of the area, which had turned into a site for waste and polluted water.

He emphasized that the new development will bring a fundamental transformation to the lives of residents and turn the area into one of Erbil and Kurdistan’s most attractive tourist destinations.

“The Life Path project will become a symbol of change, improving living standards, creating green spaces, and boosting tourism and investment opportunities in the heart of Erbil,” PM Barzani stated.

According to the Prime Minister, the project’s first phase includes public parks, walking paths, water channels for clean and rainwater drainage, as well as commercial kiosks, recreational spaces, and leisure areas.

The initiative is expected to generate new job opportunities for the city’s youth and strengthen the capital’s role as one of Iraq’s most developed urban centers.

The Kurdish leader highlighted that the KRG’s broader urban policy seeks balanced development across all neighborhoods and provinces, ensuring that infrastructure and services reach every area rather than being concentrated only in city centers.

He stressed that Erbil, with the completion of projects like the Life Path and the Green Belt, is entering a new stage of modernization and beautification, aiming to become one of the most important tourist cities in the region.

The Prime Minister also praised the Ministry of Municipalities and Tourism and private sector partners for their efforts in planning and implementing the project.

He urged citizens to support the government by helping protect the environment, noting that “environmental preservation is everyone’s responsibility.”

PM Barzani concluded by congratulating the people of Erbil, saying the project will soon bring visible improvements to their quality of life, health, and environment.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/898460

[Anthea]

More Than 50,000 Expected at KDP’s
Biggest Election Carnival in Erbil

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In what is being billed as the final and largest public carnival of the Iraqi parliamentary election campaign, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is set to hold a massive and climactic rally in the capital, Erbil, on Friday, a powerful and visually stunning show of force designed to energize its base, project an image of overwhelming popular support, and make a final, resounding push for its ambitious goal of securing "one million and more" votes

With more than 50,000 members, supporters, and citizens expected to pack the iconic Franso Hariri International Stadium, the event is poised to be one of the most crowded and significant political gatherings of the entire campaign, a clear demonstration of the KDP's formidable organizational strength and its determination to solidify its position as the preeminent political force in both the Kurdistan Region and among the Kurdish parties in Baghdad.

The grand carnival, scheduled for Friday, just four days before the nation heads to the polls, will serve as the capstone to a vigorous and strategically orchestrated campaign that has seen the KDP's top leadership fan out across the entirety of the Kurdistan Region and the disputed territories.

Senior party officials are expected to be present at the stadium, lending their weight and authority to the final get-out-the-vote effort. Sangar Kanabi, head of the KDP's Makhmour branch, captured the mood of anticipation, telling Kurdistan24 that "the supporters and cadres of the party will enthusiastically participate in that carnival today."

He noted that the presence of "senior officials of the Kurdistan Democratic Party" is why "it is expected that this will be one of the most crowded campaign carnivals for the success of KDP's list 275."

The Iraqi parliamentary elections, the sixth since the fall of the former regime in 2003, will be held on November 11. The stakes are immense, with the outcome set to determine the composition of the next federal government and shape the future of the complex and often fraught relationship between Erbil and Baghdad.

According to official figures, approximately 30 million people out of a total population of 46 million are eligible to vote. However, the participation of about seven million people is in jeopardy as they have not renewed their voter cards, a factor that could have a significant impact on the final results and has added a layer of urgency to the parties' mobilization efforts.

The KDP's campaign, led from the front by President Masoud Barzani and the party's two Vice Presidents, Nechirvan Barzani and Masrour Barzani, has been defined by a consistent and multi-faceted message that weaves together themes of historical resilience, national unity, constitutional rights, and a powerful defense of the current KRG's record of development and service delivery.

In a series of major campaign rallies held in recent weeks in Duhok, Zakho, Akre, Soran, and Sulaimani, the party's leadership has articulated a clear and forceful case for why a strong KDP presence in Baghdad is not just a partisan interest, but a national necessity for the people of Kurdistan.

A central and recurring theme has been the urgent need to defend the constitutional rights of the Kurdistan Region against what they describe as a persistent centralist mentality in Baghdad that seeks to undermine Iraq's federal system.

In a recent exclusive interview with Shams TV, President Masoud Barzani reiterated this point, stating that the full implementation of the Iraqi constitution is the only path to resolving longstanding disputes.

"Let the Iraqi Constitution be the arbiter. We have not asked for more than what the Constitution provides. We will not accept anything less," he declared. He has consistently argued that the KDP's goal in seeking a strong mandate is to empower its representatives to defend these constitutional rights, not just for the Kurds, but for all Iraqis.

"We went to Baghdad with pure intentions and a strong will to establish a new Iraq based on partnership, balance, and compromise," he said at the campaign's launch, but lamented that "the constitution that was adopted afterwards... could have prevented many of today’s problems had it been properly implemented."

This call for a return to constitutional principles has been a constant refrain. At a rally in Akre, KDP Vice President Nechirvan Barzani urged voters to "not allow the constitution to be violated again with your votes." At another event in Nineveh, he framed the election as a battle to counter the "very strong centralism" with which Iraq is currently being run.

The campaign has also been marked by a powerful appeal for Kurdish unity and a rejection of the internal political divisions that have often weakened the Kurdish position in Baghdad. In a particularly resonant speech in Sulaimani, a traditional stronghold of the KDP's main rival, Nechirvan Barzani made a powerful plea to transcend partisan geography.

"There should not be green and yellow zones, there should be one zone and that is the Kurdistan zone," he declared, vowing that "regionalism has no place and will have no place in the party's mind."

This theme of unity has been powerfully linked to the memory of the Peshmerga's struggle against ISIS. "It attacked the Peshmerga, but it did not ask which of you has green blood and which of you has yellow blood," Nechirvan Barzani reminded a crowd in Sulaimani.

President Barzani, in a meeting with veteran Peshmerga in Duhok, urged attendees to approach the election "with the same spirit of determination that Peshmerga demonstrated in past battles."

Alongside this call for unity and constitutional defense, the KDP has mounted a vigorous and detailed defense of the KRG's Ninth Cabinet's record of achievement, led by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

This has been a key strategy to contrast the KDP's governance model with that of its rivals and with the perceived failures of the federal government. KDP Vice President Masrour Barzani has been at the forefront of this effort, using campaign rallies to highlight a "prosperity revolution" of tangible projects.

"We do not need speeches; our actions speak for us," he declared at a massive rally in Duhok. He has consistently pointed to the success of the "Runaki" program, which is on track to provide 24-hour electricity to the entire Kurdistan Region by 2026, a feat that stands in stark contrast to the chronic power shortages in the rest of Iraq. He has also highlighted a "revolution in the construction of roads," the implementation of the "MyAccount" digital salary program, strategic water projects, and a concerted effort to diversify the economy and export Kurdistan's agricultural products.

"The improvements to our infrastructure are clear — our farmers no longer have to discard their produce," he stated.

President Barzani himself has praised these achievements, noting that visitors from southern and central Iraq often speak highly of the Kurdistan Region’s development. "They sometimes praise it even more than local residents do," he said. "We want the same progress to be achieved in all parts of Iraq."

The KDP campaign has also been infused with a sense of defiance against what its leaders describe as ongoing "conspiracies" against the Kurdistan Region. In a speech in Zakho, President Barzani warned that these threats have shifted from military means to more insidious forms, such as "narcotic drugs, discouraging people, weakening national belonging, cutting salaries, and trying to starve citizens."

He has urged vigilance and resilience, stating that "only collective commitment and perseverance will secure success."

As tens of thousands of supporters prepare to gather at the Franso Hariri stadium for the final campaign carnival, they will be met with a message that is both a celebration of past resilience and a powerful call to action for the future.

The KDP is framing this election as a pivotal moment, a chance to send a strong, unified, and assertive delegation to Baghdad with an undeniable mandate from over one million voters.

The goal, as the party's leaders have repeatedly stated, is not merely to win seats, but to secure the strength necessary to defend the constitutional entity of the Kurdistan Region, guarantee its rights, and continue the caravan of development and progress for all its people.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/87 ... l-in-erbil

[Anthea]

President Masoud Barzani Warns
Against Marginalizing Kurds

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – President Masoud Barzani expressed confidence in the Region’s progress and reiterated the need for a fair electoral law in Iraq during an exclusive interview with Shams TV on Thursday

President Barzani said he is pleased with how far the Kurdistan Region has advanced in recent years. “I have a very happy feeling that the Kurdistan Region has moved forward in this way. I thank God for that blessing,” he stated, adding that the achievements made so far are “a matter of great pride.”

He noted that visitors from southern and central Iraq often speak highly of the Kurdistan Region’s development. “They sometimes praise it even more than local residents do,” he said. “We want the same progress to be achieved in all parts of Iraq.”

Barzani stressed that Kurdistan’s progress has been the result of political will, planning, and leadership, despite longstanding challenges. He recalled that the Kurdistan made significant efforts after 2003 to build a new, federal Iraq, but that spirit has since diminished. “Over time, this desire was rejected. There was opposition to us until we reached a point where the Kurdistan and the Kurds were not welcomed in Baghdad,” he said.

Call for Electoral Reform

President Barzani reaffirmed the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) demand to amend Iraq’s electoral law, arguing that the current system is unfair and predetermines outcomes. Barzani said the KDP aims to secure one million votes in the upcoming parliamentary elections, noting that the party previously received over 800,000 votes, not counting ballots from Nineveh, Kirkuk, and Diyala.

“We aim to amend the electoral law. The elections under the current system are unfair,” he stated. “If the law is not amended, then a census must be conducted to determine the actual population of each province.”

He added that many Iraqi political groups also support amending the law, and expressed hope that the Sadrist Movement would participate in the elections.

Constitutional Rights and Relations with Baghdad

President Barzani emphasized that Kurdistan is seeking only the rights and powers guaranteed to it under the Iraqi Constitution. “Let the Iraqi Constitution be the arbiter. We have not asked for more than what the Constitution provides. We will not accept anything less.”

He criticized the Federal Supreme Court, describing it as politically influenced and lacking constitutional legitimacy, and called for the establishment of the Federal Council as outlined in the constitution.

President Barzani also warned of renewed instability if coalition forces fully withdraw from Iraq, saying such a move could enable ISIS to re-emerge. He stressed that armed groups must be brought under state authority and should not overpower the government.

KDP’s Position Moving Forward

On political alliances, Barzani said the KDP would decide on its partners after the elections. He affirmed that the Peshmerga forces will remain focused on defending the Region and will not engage in political matters.

Regarding future cooperation with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, Barzani said the decision would depend on post-election developments.

He concluded by stressing that if the constitution is implemented as written, longstanding disputes over salaries, finances, security, and governance can be resolved. “All parties must return to partnership, balance, and compromise,” he said.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/87 ... l-continue

[Anthea]

Kurdistan Records Highest
Turnout in Iraq’s Special Voting

Special voting for Iraq’s parliamentary elections concluded with an exceptionally high turnout in the Kurdistan Region, where participation rates surpassed 90 percent across all provinces — the highest in the country, according to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC)

Nabard Omar, head of the Kurdistan Region Electoral Board at the IHEC, told representatives that the process was conducted smoothly, with voter turnout reaching 98 percent across the region.

“The commission’s employees are hand-counting the ballots, and 90 percent of the results have already been transmitted to headquarters,” he said, confirming that preparations for Tuesday’s general voting are complete.

Omar detailed the provincial figures: Erbil recorded a 98 percent turnout with 109,508 voters, Sulaymaniyah 98 percent with 106,350 voters, and Duhok 97 percent with 55,411 voters. Turnout among internally displaced persons (IDPs) was also high — 77 percent in Duhok (20,000 voters) and 71 percent in Erbil (391 voters).

The IHEC’s nationwide report confirmed similar figures: Erbil’s turnout stood at 97.79 percent (112,386 voters), Sulaimani’s at 98.16 percent (108,349 voters), and Duhok’s at 91.66 percent (82,416 voters). Only Baghdad recorded the lowest participation rate at 70.37 percent.

Across Iraq, the special vote saw 82.42 percent participation, with more than 1.1 million security and military personnel casting their ballots at 809 polling centers, IHEC data showed. Women accounted for just 22,764 of the total voters.

Security authorities said the voting process was carried out in coordination with the electoral commission “smoothly and without major incidents,” emphasizing stability at polling centers. Army aircraft were used to transfer election materials and data to city centers for early result compilation.

The IHEC reported receiving only four complaints related to early voting, suggesting the process remained largely orderly.

Preliminary results indicated that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led with 77,381 votes, followed by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) with 68,891 votes. Other parties’ tallies included the National Stance Movement (Halwest) with 6,855 votes, the New Generation Movement with 4,126, the Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) with 3,748, the Kurdistan Justice Group (Komal) with 1,177, and the People’s Front (Baray Gal) with 982.

More than 185,000 security personnel have been deployed to protect polling stations ahead of Tuesday’s general election, where 7,750 candidates are competing for 329 parliamentary seats under Iraq’s proportional representation system.

The Kurdistan Region, which has long played a pivotal role in Iraq’s political balance, once again demonstrated robust voter engagement — a trend analysts say reflects both regional political mobilization and the relative stability compared to other parts of Iraq.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/898794

[Anthea]

I Call on the People of Kurdistan
to be Peshmerga on the 11th of 11

Mansour Barzani, the Commander of the First Special Forces Division and of Gulan Special Forces, calls on Kurdistan's people to "be Peshmerga on 11/11," using their votes to defend constitutional rights and build a prosperous future

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a stirring appeal that transformed the civic act of voting into a sacred national duty, a senior Peshmerga commander issued a powerful call for the people of Kurdistan to embody the spirit of the Peshmerga on general election day, urging them to use their ballots as a weapon to defend their constitutional rights and build a more prosperous future.

After casting his own vote in Iraq's special elections on Sunday, Mansour Barzani, the Commander of the First Special Forces Division and of Gulan Special Forces, declared that the Peshmerga have always been pioneers in defending the homeland and are now leading the way in the democratic process, a new frontline in the struggle for Kurdistan's legitimate rights within Iraq.

Speaking at a press conference, Commander Mansour Barzani delivered a message that was both a tribute to the past and a strategic directive for the future.

"As a Peshmerga of the Kurdistan Region, I call on the people of Kurdistan to be Peshmerga on the 11th of 11," he stated, invoking the date of the upcoming general election. His call framed participation in the election not merely as a choice, but as an act of patriotic defense, akin to the sacrifices made by the Peshmerga on the battlefield.

He drew a direct and poignant line between the sacrifices of the armed forces and the stability the Region enjoys today. "The peace, security, and prosperity that exist in the Kurdistan Region are the product of the blood of the martyrs and the hard work and sacrifice of the Peshmerga and other security agencies," he affirmed.

He highlighted the Peshmerga's unwavering readiness to serve, noting their dual role as protectors and now as active participants in the democratic process. "Whenever the Kurdistan Region has needed the defense of the Peshmerga, the Peshmerga has been at the forefront," he said. "When the vote of the Peshmerga was needed, again the Peshmerga is a pioneer and is ready to participate in the best way and go to the ballot box."

The ultimate objective of this civic mobilization, he explained, is to empower a strong Kurdish bloc in the federal parliament to reclaim rights that have been eroded.

"The Peshmerga will elect the representatives they believe in, to go to the next Iraqi parliament, in order to regain those rights of the Kurdistan Region that are in the constitution and have been violated," Commander Barzani declared.

He then reiterated his central message, a clear and resonant call to action for all citizens: "My message to the people of Kurdistan is to be Peshmerga on the 11th of 11 and vote for those they believe in."

His powerful words were the capstone on a day filled with unified and deeply symbolic messages from the Peshmerga leadership. His call for citizens to metaphorically don the mantle of the Peshmerga echoed the sentiments of other top commanders who also framed the election as a crucial new phase in the Kurdish struggle.

Earlier in the day, Sihad Barzani, the commander of the Support Forces Command One, stressed that "the only way to defend the rights of our people will be through voting and a democratic process."

Rawan Barzani, Commander of the Halo Special Forces, made a similar point, stating that the Peshmerga who "defended the land and the homeland with blood" are now in an era where they must "defend its rights with its vote."

The Commander of the Zerevani Forces, Aziz Waisi, further elevated the day's significance by declaring it a potential "historic turning point for Kurdistan" and a moment of profound equality where "there is no difference between a commander and a Peshmerga."

This high-level encouragement came amidst a massive and remarkably smooth special voting process across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

More than one million and 313 thousand members of the security forces—including 145,907 from the Ministry of Peshmerga and 124,312 from the KRG Ministry of Interior—and over 26,000 displaced persons were eligible to cast their ballots. The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq (IHEC) confirmed that the process, held across 809 dedicated centers, proceeded without any significant technical issues.

The success of the voting technology was a key theme, particularly highlighted by Sihad Barzani, who noted his own voting process took "less than a minute."

He praised the vast improvements from previous elections, where he said "due to technical problems, about 100 to 200 thousand votes were lost." This technical reliability has imbued the process with a newfound sense of integrity, lending greater weight to the leaders' calls for mass participation.

The disciplined and orderly conduct of the Peshmerga was a standout feature of the day. Reports from the Zerevani Forces Command described a meticulously planned operation where members voted directly from their defensive trenches according to a set schedule to prevent crowding, a move their spokesperson called a "sign of complete commitment to the process."

Commander Aziz Waisi also confirmed the Peshmerga's dual role, noting that in addition to voting, more than 500 Peshmerga units were on high alert as a third line of defense to ensure the security of the election.

The successful execution of this first electoral phase, free from the technical glitches that disenfranchised so many in the past, has created a foundation of confidence as the nation heads towards Tuesday's general election.

The unified message from the Peshmerga leadership—from Sihad Barzani’s praise of the one-minute vote to Aziz Waisi’s hope for a historic turning point, and culminating in Mansour Barzani's powerful call for a nation of "Peshmerga voters"—has transformed a logistical exercise into a profound national statement.

It is a declaration that for the Peshmerga and the people of Kurdistan, the defense of the homeland continues, not just with blood and sacrifice on the battlefield, but with ballots and democratic resolve in the political arena.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/87 ... ur-barzani