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Iraqi Kurds Vote in the Polls, Results Not Released Yet

by Amy Judd | July 25, 2009 at 11:56 am

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Iraqi Kurds voted in the semiautonomous Kurdistan region today and hundreds lined up for hours before polling places opened to cast their ballot for the local presidential and parliamentary elections. They are choosing a new parliament and a president.

Security was extensive at the polling stations, and many people wore traditional Kurdish costumes to cast their vote. However, there is little doubt that the current government will maintain its leadership on the 4.5 million people according to the New York Times, as many Kurds give credit to the regional govenment for the current security of the region, especially in comparison to the rest of the country.

“I want to preserve the progress that we have achieved,” declared Saada Majid, 42, reflecting the view of many residents as she was being assisted in her wheelchair into a polling station in the working-class neighborhood of Azadi.

The KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) and the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan), former rivals, control the region and economic resources and the armed forces. They have long had tense relations with the government in Baghdad over boundaries and energy revenues.

A challenge was mounted by Noshirwan Mustafa, leading a coalition called Gorran, or Change, and although it is thought that they won't win, it will at least bring an air of competition to the voting. The challenge has brought more young and poor voters out however, who really want to see change.

Gorran, headed by Nawshirwan Mustafa, a former P.U.K. insider, hopes to capitalize on disenchantment with the status quo, and a feeling that the two-party monopoly has become autocratic, nepotistic and corrupt.

“They have been in power for 18 years and they have done nothing for the people,” said Faiq Salih, 37, a day laborer from Azadi who said he was voting for Gorran.

Many are frightened to announce their support for Gorran, for fear of losing their jobs.

Jala Talabani, the current Iraqi President has been campaigning all over the country for his own re-election and the re-election of Masood Barzani, the current Kurdistan President.

“We have shortcomings and we hear them loud and clear,” said Qubad Talabani, the region’s Washington representative and son of the P.U.K. chairman and Iraqi president, Jalal Talabani. “We know that we cannot have business as usual.”

Mr. Talabani said that the next government would tackle many things, corruption among others, and provide better services to its citizens.

Results could emerge as early as Sunday in the region.

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Barry ORegan

at 14:33 on July 25th, 2009

It will be certainly interesting to know the outcome and the detractors opinions

158

at 16:08 on July 25th, 2009

It is almost certain the government will retain power.

bettermakings (not verified)

at 17:40 on July 25th, 2009

The Kurds need their own country. They are the most sane people in the region, and shouldn't be held down by the rest of the country.

For example, Christian refugees from Baghdad & Mosul often go to "Kurdistan" where it's safe. (probably because Kurdistan is the most secular area) BUT their biggest problem is Turkey (another secular people; less sane) who is afraid of the new "Kurdistan" becoming the whole eastern half of the Turkey, as well as the northern third of Iraq (and also about 10% of Iran & 5% of Syria). This could all happen peacefully, or become a bloody war.

In my opinion, anything would be worth having a giant new free country in the Mid-East. Imagine: religious freedom, sexual equality, minority rights, a truly secular government, etc... it would set an example to others in the region.