Residents of Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region participated in parliamentary elections on Sunday, overshadowed by ongoing rivalries, economic instability, and unresolved disputes with Baghdad. The primary contenders are the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), historically controlling different parts of the region.
The parliamentary elections, initially scheduled for 2022, were postponed multiple times due to disputes over election laws and procedures. Ministry of Interior personnel and peshmerga forces voted in special elections on Friday, with the general public casting their votes on Sunday.
In the special election, the KDP secured a significant lead with 60% of the votes, while the PUK received around 30%. The New Generation Movement, an emerging opposition party, gained 5.3% of the total votes, up from 3% in the 2018 special election.
Despite the growing appeal of the New Generation Movement, challenging the established dominance of the KDP and PUK remains a significant hurdle. Results of Sunday's vote were expected to be announced on Monday.
However, some polling centers experienced delays due to malfunctions in fingerprint scanners used for biometric verification of voters' identities. This issue prevented some voters from casting their ballots, causing frustration among the electorate.
The region's economic challenges, including delayed salary payments, fluctuating oil prices, and budget cuts, are key concerns for voters. Corruption allegations against the regional government have also fueled demands for transparency and accountability.
Political cooperation with the central government, security concerns due to active Islamic State group sleeper cells, and the desire for development and safety are additional factors influencing the current elections.
Voters are looking for candidates who prioritize service, honesty, and economic stability while addressing issues of corruption and political reform. The outcome of the elections will shape the future of the Kurdish region and its relationship with Baghdad.
