Masoud Barzani criticizes Federal Court decision on Kurdistan Region election quota seats

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — As the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) gears up for parliamentary elections, Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), voiced concern over the Federal Court’s decision to eliminate minority quota seats, citing it as a blow to regional coexistence.

Barzani, in a meeting with Australian Ambassador Glenn Miles, expressed the challenges posed by the upcoming elections scheduled for 10 June, emphasizing the importance of inclusive participation of all components. The KDP issued a statement detailing Barzani’s remarks.

Barzani underscored the significance of coexistence, labeling it as a cornerstone of the region’s political framework and emphasizing the integral role of minority components within the KRI.

In response, Ambassador Miles commended the existing bilateral relations between Australia and the KRI, advocating for further strengthening of ties between the two entities.

The decision by the Federal Court in February to annul quota seats and institute changes in the election law, including the replacement of the Kurdistan Regional Independent High Commission for Federal Elections, has stirred controversy and drawn criticism.

The Court’s decision has also sparked large protests by the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian community in the KRI.