PUK Supports Timely Elections

Reports 10:57 AM - 2023-12-10

Voting.

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) supports fair elections in all Iraqi provinces, including the disputed regions, and has made comprehensive arrangements for the next Iraqi provincial council elections as both the Iraqi provinces as a whole and the disputed areas specifically require administrative reforms.

During his recent meeting with Iraqi political leaders, PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani stated: "The PUK strongly endorses the timely conduct of fair elections, particularly in Kirkuk, due to the unique circumstances in the city that necessitate administrative reforms and enhanced public services."

 

The PUK supports free and fair elections

"The PUK, along with other Iraqi political parties, made all necessary arrangements for the provincial council elections and advocates for a democratic and equitable election process, particularly in Kirkuk," Rizgar Haji Hama, head of the PUK's Elections Bureau, told PUKMEDIA.

"An attempt to delay the provincial council elections in Kirkuk, aside from being an unsuccessful endeavor, also infringes upon the rights of about 800,000 voters in the province and the PUK opposes this violation," said Haji Hama.

 

There is no excuse for postponing the elections in Kirkuk

"For almost 17 years, the provincial council elections in Kirkuk have not taken place. If the polls continue to be delayed, it would lead to a decline in trust between voters and the Iraqi political authorities," the head of the PUK's Elections Bureau said.

He added: "Furthermore, the election campaign has been ongoing for almost a month, with a substantial budget allocated by the government for this endeavor."

"Postponing the provincial council elections in Kirkuk is unjustifiable, as the current law and constitution permit them to proceed. Moreover, the voter register list is reliable, as it has been previously utilized for the Iraqi parliamentary elections," he said.

PUK Spokesperson Saadi Ahmed Pire told PUKMEDIA: "We should approach the elections with enthusiasm and effectively address the issues faced by citizens, demonstrating our competence and determination. Additionally, we must prioritize our efforts towards resolving the constitutional matters pertaining to the disputed areas."

"The request to delay the Kirkuk provincial council elections by certain political groups and communities is a sign of their lack of political integrity. It is crucial that Kirkuk never goes without holding elections," Pire said.

The PUK has 112 candidates running in the Iraqi provincial council elections. The party has joined forces with the Kurdistan Communist Party in Kirkuk to form the "Kirkuk is Our Strength and Will Coalition." The PUK formed a coalition with the National Rafa'a Party in Nineveh, dubbed the "Nineveh People Coalition." In addition, the PUK maintains an independent electoral list in the Diyala province. The PUK formed the "National People's List" coalition in Saladin, alongside an independent list in Baghdad that included a Faily Kurd candidate, intending to secure the quota seats.

Note* The former Iraqi Ba'ath regime made significant efforts to Arabize all residents of Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Salah ad Din, resulting in ongoing territorial disputes between Erbil and Baghdad. Even though Article 140 of the Iraqi Constitution was written in part to address the issue, the legislation has yet to be implemented. The PUK's call is an attempt to increase the number of Kurds voting in these areas, giving the Kurds more influence and benefiting other communities.



PUKMEDIA