Iraqi Kurdistan Region Sets June Date for Parliamentary Election

In a long-awaited move, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has announced the scheduling of parliamentary elections for June 10, as declared by the regional presidency on Sunday. This decision comes after a series of delays attributed to political disputes between the region’s two major parties.

President Nechirvan Barzani emphasized the immediacy of the decree, urging all necessary measures to be implemented promptly following its issuance. Originally slated for October 2022, the polls faced postponement due to disagreements between the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

The delicate power-sharing arrangement between these parties led to extended negotiations, including discussions on amending election laws and the distribution of tax and oil revenues. Despite setting a new election date for November 18 last year, a ruling by Iraq’s Supreme Federal Court nullified decisions made by the regional parliament, necessitating further delay.

Efforts to reschedule encountered additional hurdles, including consultations with the parties and awaiting a court ruling on electoral laws. Last month, the Supreme Court determined that the Kurdistan region’s parliament should consist of 100 members, down from the previous 111, and mandated oversight by the Iraqi Electoral Commission.

President Barzani called for collaboration among relevant parties to ensure the smooth implementation of the court’s decision. The Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, while historically in a power-sharing alliance since the 2003 US-led invasion, have grappled with disagreements over various issues, including power-sharing dynamics, assassinations, and revenue distribution.

With the dissolution of the previous parliament, the KDP held 45 seats while the PUK had 21. The upcoming election holds significance not only for the Kurdistan Region but also for Iraq as a whole, as it navigates political transitions and strives for stability amidst ongoing challenges.