The Kurdistan Region of Iraq is scheduled to hold its parliamentary elections on October 20, 2024. These elections will determine the composition of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Parliament for the next term. The elections come at a time when the region is grappling with internal political dynamics, economic challenges, and regional security issues. To ensure that the elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, it is critical that trusted international election observers are present.

The Kurdistan elections underscore their commitment to democratic governance, reflecting the importance they place on political representation, transparency, and the will of the people in shaping the future of the Kurdistan Region. The Kurdistan Region has long been a unique beacon of freedom and democracy in the Middle East, and it remains one of the United States’ most stable allies in the region.

However, this election is already facing significant challenges. The Iraqi Federal Supreme Court recently issued rulings that stripped away minority representation in the Kurdistan Region Parliament and limited KRG autonomy in administering elections. A budget standoff with Baghdad limited access to critical and necessary financial resources. Extremist groups, to this day, continue to undermine and threaten important KRG institutions. The risks facing the elections and KRG’s democracy remains high.

The KRG has worked closely with U.S. partners, the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Council, and the United Nations to identify and address potential threats to the October elections and protect the sanctity of our voting process. But further oversight is needed to guard against the mounting threats to our democracy.

The application period for election observers to visit the Kurdistan Region has already opened, and more information can be accessed here [https://ihec.iq/regulations-and-instructions/]. (Please note: October 10th is the deadline for applications)