PUK Politburo: We Oppose Any Unfair Attempts to Delay Elections

P.U.K 12:17 AM - 2024-05-02

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The Political Bureau of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) strongly rejects any authoritarian attempts and speculations regarding an agreement among the parties to delay the parliamentary elections slated for June 10th, 2024. The PUK reaffirms its support of the ongoing initiatives undertaken by the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) to ensure the success of the elections on the aforementioned date. 

During the meeting that took place today in Dabashan, Sulaymaniyah, the Political Bureau decided to protect the democratic rights of the Kurdish people by taking all legal measures and launching extensive political and diplomatic initiatives to oppose any unfair attempts to delay the scheduled elections for June 10.  

The meeting cautioned all sides about the dangers of attempting to delay the elections, which goes against the rulings of the Federal Court and the procedures of the IHEC. Such an attempt would be a significant flaw in the political process in Kurdistan and would disregard the proper handling of democratic power transition and the reputation of the institutions in the Kurdistan Region. It raises doubts about the authenticity of the Kurdistan Regional Government, which currently serves as the interim government.

The Political Bureau views any efforts to delay the elections as a regression from democratic principles, lacking any valid justification other than serving the self-interests of those seeking to avoid the electoral process and seeking an illegitimate means to secure a predetermined majority. Hence, the Political Bureau declares its non-involvement in secret agreements and rejects any proposal for a meeting aimed at delaying the elections. 

The Dabashan meeting decided that the PUK should assert the following in order to defend our people's democratic rights:

- Through official memoranda and open and serious talks, the PUK will notify allies of the Kurdistan political process, Iraq, the international community, and the United Nations of its commitment to democracy.

- It will enhance unity and democratic principles through a national agreement with the Kurdish forces that support adhering to the election schedule. 

- We will utilise legal complaints and uphold this entitlement of our nation in compliance with the Iraqi Constitution and relevant laws.  

Furthermore, it implores everybody to show support and collaborate in this lawful and democratic legal undertaking. 

Finally, the Political Bureau meeting shifted its focus to the opinions of the Kurdish populace as well as the recently registered voters who are exercising their democratic rights for the first time. Let's stand up for Kurdistan's democratic history together and successfully correct the direction of local governance, which can only be accomplished through timely and fair elections.

Let us go towards the achievement of the option of electoral success and liberate the Region from the risk of stagnation and the loss of credibility in its institutions.

 

 

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