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July 27, 2009
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'Gorran' Shocks Establishment-Iraqi Kurdistan
Kurdishaspect.com – By Simko Azad
The preliminary results of the parliamentary elections in Iraqi Kurdistan indicate that the Movement for Change (Gorran) headed by Nawshirwan Mustafa has had a remarkable day at the polls on Saturday 25th July 2009. The results which streamed in overnight indicate that the PUK governed areas of Iraqi Kurdistan have returned a resounding victory for Gorran. With reports that Gorran actually beat the Kurdistani list of the KDP-PUK in every single neighbourhood of Sulaimaniyah city itself and that Gorran and the other Anti-establishment list “Chaksazi” beat listi Kurdistani into third place in areas such as Raniya.
The elections in the KDP governed provinces of Hawler (Arbil) and Duhok indicate that Listi Kurdistan managed to secure the majority of seats. Although elections in these two areas are mired with numerous reports of systematic and widespread irregularities, with authorities actually expelling independent observers in Duhok province and numerous reports of the regions Security forces voting multiple times.
The victory of Gorran in Sulaimaniyah province has left leaders of the PUK dismayed and in a state of shock, as their unpopularity becomes manifest in the area they once labelled the “PUK castle”. Barham Salih PUK deputy and the leader of Listi Kurdistani reported that “the opposition have done better than expected in Suli (Sulaimaniyah)”. While staunch anti-change PUK spokesman Mullah Bakhtiyar stated that the results were “not in line with their expectations”.
In the other poll for the presidency of the region which was held simultaneously, the shock has been delivered by Dr Kemal Mirawdeli. Dr Mirawdeli, a expat Kurd who lives in London ran on an independent ticket and managed to beat current incumbent Massoud Barzani into second place throughout the PUK region, with his strongest showing in Sulaimaniyah city, Iraqi Kurdistan second biggest city. The number of votes Dr Mirawdeli gained will be seen as a humiliation by Massoud Barzani.
The result puts the rump PUK which has remained loyal to elderly leader Jalal Talabani into a very difficult situation. Even if they persist in their alliance with the KDP, it is unlikely the premiership will be given to a PUK man. Which will further undermine their support in there (not so strong any longer) strong holds.
July 25, 2009 has changed Kurdish politics.
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