In letter to UNAMI representative in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties demand protection for quota seats 

ERBIL, Iraq — Six Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties have written to Ricardo Rodriguez, Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Regional Office in Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), outlining their political stance on the forthcoming elections in the KRI.

In the letter, the Bethnahrin Patriotic Union Party (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), Bet-Nahrain Democratic Party, Abnaa al-Nahrain Party, Assyrian Democratic Movement, and the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian Popular Council stated that the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people should obtain quota seats through representatives nominated by the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people themselves. This will ensure that the quota seats remain free from disputes by major parties, said the letter.

The parties emphasized the importance of the KRI being a single constituency in the upcoming elections and proposed establishing special polling centers in areas where the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people reside.

To limit voting to the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community, the letter suggested creating a special register of Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian voters and preparing a ballot paper for lists competing for the quota seats. The parties stated that this mechanism could be practically applicable on the ground if the large blocs were convinced.

Finally, the letter commended Rodriguez’s role in promoting democracy in Iraq and thanked him for his recent efforts in the KRI’s upcoming elections.