Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian and Christian Leaders in Iraq Call for Electoral Reform to Protect their Quota Representation

ANKAWA, Kurdistan Region in Iraq – Political parties and church leaders representing Iraq’s Chaldean-Syriac-Assyrian people, are calling for urgent reforms to the country’s electoral system, arguing that the current structure undermines the integrity of minority representation. 

In a joint statement issued on May 10, a coalition that includes the Bethnahrain Patriotic Union (Huyodo Bethnahrin Athroyo, HBA) and several major Christian churches demanded changes to the election law governing Christian quota seats. Chief among their demands is the restriction of voting for the Christian-designated seats to Christian voters only. 

“Christian quota seats are a constitutional right that must reflect the will of the Christian community—not the interests of larger political blocs,” the statement read. “Allowing non-Christians to influence the outcome of these elections renders the system unjust and unrepresentative.” 

The coalition is also urging authorities to treat Iraq’s five key provinces—Baghdad, Nineveh, Kirkuk, Erbil, and Nohadra (Duhok)—as a single electoral district for Christian voters. They argue that this change would provide more cohesive and proportional representation, especially as many Christians are dispersed across these regions following years of displacement and conflict. 

The statement further called for Iraqi expatriates to be included in the electoral process. “The Iraqi Constitution grants equal rights to all citizens, regardless of their place of residence,” it noted. “Excluding diaspora communities from voting disenfranchises thousands of Christians who maintain strong ties to their homeland.” 

The push for reform follows a controversial ruling by Iraq’s Federal Supreme Court earlier this year, which abolished minority quota seats in the Kurdistan Regional Parliament. Christian leaders widely condemned the decision, warning that it further erodes already fragile protections for religious and ethnic minorities. 

Should their demands be ignored, the coalition warned of two possible responses: Christians may demand the complete abolition of the quota system, arguing that it no longer serves its intended purpose, or they may collectively boycott future elections. 

“We are approaching a breaking point,” the statement said. “If the current system continues to marginalize us, we will not legitimize it with our participation.” 

You accept for our people what you would never accept for your own.
Injustice persists as dominant political forces deny Assyrians, Chaldeans, and Syriacs the right to freely elect their representatives an essential right every genuine democracy must protect. pic.twitter.com/DKZT5g03j9

— Zowaa (@Zowaa_ADM) May 10, 2025