The Executive Council of the Kurdistan National Congress (Kongreya Neteweyî ya Kurdistanê-KNK) issued a message outlining its stance on the parliamentary elections to be held in South Kurdistan on 20 October, and calling for the elections to be held in a transparent and democratic environment.

The KNK Executive Council said: “Parliamentary elections in the South Kurdistan region are being held during a very special process. There has never been a more tense and crisis-ridden period in terms of parliamentary elections in the last 33 years of the South Kurdish region.

Internally, the conflicts and tensions between political parties, the economic crisis and the people's livelihood difficulties, poverty, lack of services, unemployment, the paralysis of the parliament, the government's indifference, accumulated debts, the people's concerns about freedoms and the obstacles in this regard, the arrests and silencing of journalists.

The crisis and problems that the Kurdistan Regional Government has with Baghdad, as well as the military, security and chaotic interventions of the regional states. All these and many more issues characterize the south of Kurdistan and the regional administration.”

The statement added: “The attitude of the Iraqi central government towards the Kurdistan Region is not only hostile, but perhaps also aimed at weakening the status of the region, destroying it, creating other problems and eroding its gains.

Following the referendum process, a large part of South Kurdistan was retaken in 2017, and the process of changing the demographics of Kurdistan's cities and towns continued. On the other hand, it is conspiring with regional states to destroy the gains of the Kurdish people. It is signing agreements with the Turkish state, banning Kurdish parties, allowing Turkey to intervene in Iraq tens of kilometers deep, and signing economic, security and military agreements at the expense of the Kurdish people's interests. It has also signed an agreement with the Iranian government to disarm and neutralize the Rojhilatê Kurdistan forces in order to suppress the legitimate struggle of the people in eastern Kurdistan. All this exposes the attitude of the Iraqi central government and many political leaders in Iraq. At the same time, the Iraqi government plans to conduct a general census in November, immediately after the regional parliamentary elections. This project is being carried out at a time when none of the provisions of Article 140 have been implemented, the problems of the districts have not been resolved and are going in a worse direction.”

The KNK said: “There is another very important issue: the occupation of South Kurdistan by the Turkish state. Attacks and occupations continue with dozens of military units and all kinds of light and heavy weapons, including internationally banned weapons. They have built dozens of intelligence bases, political, economic and cultural institutions in the region. Turkey has occupied a large part of the Behdinan region.

However, despite all this, the Kurdish people in all four parts are resisting and hope for victory with great hope and will in cities, villages, prisons and mountains. Ensuring that the parliamentary elections in South Kurdistan are transparent and without fraud is a part of this resistance and hope.”

The KNK continued: The parliamentary elections in Soyth Kurdistan are being held in such a delicate, sensitive and decisive environment. This is a decisive stage, because on the one hand there is a great threat against our people all over the country, and on the other hand we have a great opportunity for success. As the Kurdistan National Congress, which has always called for the unity of the Kurdish people and their political forces, we also demand that the election process be carried out in a peaceful and civilized atmosphere, without interference.

A transparent election in which the people of South Kurdistan can vote freely. We are sure that the people of South Kurdistan are aware that their vote will be for candidates who protect the highest interests of the Kurdish people, their gains, rights and freedoms, and that they will fight against occupation and the conspiracy of the opponents for a free Kurdistan. The establishment and work of an effective government that responds to the demands of all voters and the Kurdish people should be accepted as soon as possible.”

The KNK listed the following points as summary of its call and reflections:

“1- These elections are important, our people should go to the ballot box and vote for patriotic candidates who protect the interests of our people and serve the people.

2- In order for a correct and fair result to emerge, the elections must be transparent and free from fraud in every respect.

3- All political parties participating in the elections must present their plans and projects in a political language in their messages and propaganda, and must not use the language of crime and insult. The elections must be held in a democratic environment, and no violence should be applied to anyone anywhere.

4- All powers must respect the election results and a democratic government must come to power according to the election results.”