Kurdistan Region electoral commission affirms election plans despite boycott, court decision

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq — The Independent High Electoral Commission of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) clarified that it has not received any formal requests to delay the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for 10 June despite the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s (KDP) decision to boycott the elections following the Iraqi Federal Supreme Court’s ruling to revoke quota seats for minority components.

Addressing the electoral crisis in the KRI, Imad Jamil, the head of the media team for the Independent High Electoral Commission, asserted the Commission’s commitment to conducting the elections as planned, emphasizing that no official postponement requests had been lodged. He reiterated the commission’s adherence to the established timetable for the June 10 elections, set by the Regional President’s decision.

Jamil affirmed that the Commission’s preparations are proceeding according to schedule, underscoring the importance of upholding the electoral process’s integrity.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party declared its boycott of the elections, denouncing them as unconstitutional following the Federal Supreme Court’s decision. The party cautioned against abandoning the political process, urging adherence to constitutional principles and fulfillment of national obligations.

The United States expressed concern over the KDP’s withdrawal from the elections, cautioning that such actions could undermine regional and national interests.

The United Nations also stated the imperative of conducting the regional parliament elections on schedule, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the welfare of the populace over prolonged political discord.