01/05/2024

Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties demand restoration of quota seats in Kurdistan Regional Parliament elections

ANKAWA, Iraq — In a joint statement addressed to authorities in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), including the Federal Supreme Judicial Council and the President of the Federal Supreme Court, prominent Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian political parties called for the restoration of quota seats for minority groups in the upcoming Kurdistan Regional Parliament elections.

The Beth Nahrin Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA), the Assyrian Patriotic Party, Abnaa al-Nahrain, the Assyrian Democratic Movement (Zowaa), and the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian Popular Council — unified under the Athra Alliance — emphasized the need to uphold the constitution and safeguard the rights of religious and national components in the KRI.

Specifically, they urged for the reinstatement of quota seats for the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian, Turkmen, and Armenian communities in the election law for the 6th session of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament, scheduled for 10 June. The parties called for the KRI to be treated as a single electoral district for quota seats, with voting restricted to these designated seats within each component.

Furthermore, they advocated for the creation of a distinct ballot paper for electing quota seats and the establishment of dedicated polling centers in areas inhabited by minority groups.

This plea comes after the parties and factions representing the Chaldean–Syriac–Assyrian people previously announced their boycott of the Kurdistan Regional Parliament elections in February. Their decision was prompted by the Federal Court’s annulment of component quotas in the region, a move deemed unacceptable by the Assyrian community.