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July 31, 2009
NEWS
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Overall assessment of Kurdistan elections
by The London based Support Committee for Free Election in Kurdistan
On 25th July, the people of Iraqi Kurdistan voted for parliamentary and presidential candidates. This was the third parliamentary election since Iraqi Kurds established their semi-autonomous region in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Duhok Governorates in the north of the country in 1991.
A very high 78.5 percent of the region’s 2.5 million eligible voters took part in the elections. This high participation rate reflects the commitment of voters to express their political will in a democratic way and their desire to elect a strong, responsible and accountable new parliament.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) has congratulated the election officials and the people of Iraqi Kurdistan for conducting an election in an orderly environment, free of violence.
However, there have been extensive reports of serious violations and irregularities in the pre-election, during the election and after the election finished, which will hopefully be investigated and addressed appropriately by the IHEC. There are also lessons to be learnt for future elections in the region and in Iraq. Some concern has also been expressed about the conduct, impartiality and professionalism of certain aspects of IHEC operation and staff.
Undoubtedly, the election has been a big democratic achievement for the people of Iraqi Kurdistan. They are now looking forward, with high expectations, to have a new parliament that would exercise its duty by ensuring effective oversight of the government and eradicating corruption and the culture of nepotism, as well as enacting positive and radical reforms, particularly justice, accountability and transparency.
We would like to congratulate our people for their active participation in the elections and their enthusiasm and motivation to fulfil their democratic aspirations.
We also take the opportunity to thank the local, national and International observers and organizations for their assistance with the election process.
We hope that this will be the start of a new era in Kurdistan Region towards establishing a strong, dynamic and vibrant civil society.
Support Committee for Free Elections in Kurdistan
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