Iraq: Parliamentary elections in Kurdistan Region September 30

Event

Parliamentary elections will be held in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region on September 30. The Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission (IHERC) announced on Saturday, August 11, that the official campaign period will start on September 5 and end at 08:00 (local time) on September 28. Voting on September 30 will begin at 08:00 and end at 18:00, with preliminary results expected to be released within 72 hours of the polls closing. An increase in political demonstrations is expected in the weeks leading up to the vote, particularly after official campaigning begins. Heightened security measures are also anticipated throughout the region, particularly at polling stations.

Context

The last elections held by the Kurdistan Regional Government were held in 2013. There are 111 seats in the Kurdish parliament.

Advice

Individuals in Iraq are advised to closely monitor the situation. The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.