The predictions were spot on: almost 80 percent of the 2.5 million people eligible to vote in the Kurdistan Region voted during this past weekend’s election (to be specific, 78.5 percent, according to the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq, which also verified that everything at the polls was up to international standards). As a point of comparison, roughly 63 percent of Americans voted in the 2008 presidential election. Few nations have higher turn-outs. Only Australia and Malta , which have compulsory voting, exceed these figures, with about 95 percent.
What this tells me is that the Kurdistan Region continues to set an example for democracy and tolerance in the Middle East. The increasing openness and transparency of our system, combined with the government’s forward thinking (at least 30 percent of the seats in the Parliament must go to women), make us a model for others. Yet some people still view the Kurdistan Region as a flash point for Iraq’s internal issues. What irony!
Despite the stellar success of our open and fair elections, many in the media cannot seem to help but overlook the positive. There is a greater story to tell about this region – more than oil, Kirkuk and Saddam. There is freedom, a genuine effort to democratize, tolerance and peace that mimic established nations around the world. These elections were about Kurdistan, not Baghdad. The results will have no bearing on KRG-Baghdad relations. They will certainly not lead to increased tensions between Kurdistan and Baghdad, as TIME magazine recently reported.
In Kurdistan we have tried to play an active role in attaining peace and stability in Iraq. The efforts and achievements of Kurdistan are all in pursuit of a desire to lead within a federal and democratic country. We want Iraq’s federal constitution to be upheld by all parties because we want a foundation of law that fosters an honest political system, freedom and tolerance, for Kurdistan and Iraq. We’re promoting economic investment so that our Region, and subsequently Iraq prospers. Moreover, we’re encouraging Iraq to follow our lead in ensuring that it efficiently and effectively benefits from its vast natural resources. To me, these are all signs of a Region that wants to thrive, not one that seeks to divide.
I’m proud of how the elections went, and congratulate the slates and candidates who participated in our historic elections. Regardless of party or background, I know that we will all work together to continue the progress we’ve seen and to ensure that democracy flourishes in Kurdistan, and in turn Iraq.
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Dear Kak Qubad,
ReplyDeleteI wrote this short piece, which I think conveys the feeling of pride many of us share in this moment. Sometimes I can be overwhelmingly critical, but there are always times to celebrate successes, and now is such a moment...
First, many congratulations are due for the successful elections in Kurdistan. Despite some voting irregularities (which occur in any election, let alone in a region only starting its democratic experiment), the parliamentary and presidential elections were a resounding success, and are truly a beacon of hope, and serve as a model for the wider region.
It was a proud moment to see different politicians actively campaigning, and engaging their constituencies. But what mostly caught our hearts, were the people of Kurdistan, who bravely voted en masse to support their march towards democracy and freedom.
What distinguishes the people of Kurdistan from others in the Mideast is their long and arduous struggle for freedom. What we have today is a result of a century of active resistance, sacrifice and sheer bravery. Our generation will never take the sacrifices of our forefathers for granted.
We must not pause to celebrate for too long - the work is just beginning. We have a historic opportunity to unite the Kurdistani house, and to work together in a spirit of cooperation and partnership. Let us leverage the expertise of our Kurdish Diaspora – it is truly a powerhouse waiting to be unleashed. Most importantly, let us embrace the passion, bravery and will of our people, without whom, the noble Kurdish cause would have been long lost.
Now that the elections are over, let us move away from rhetoric, towards actions that promote social justice and democratic accountability – actions that foster a culture of education and innovation, and promote the health and wellbeing of the people of Kurdistan.
Let us aim high, and serve as an example to the rest of the world – to show that wisdom, tolerance and freedom will prevail over ignorance, hate and injustice. May the star of Kurdistan shine forever bright.
Kak Qubad say a lot of the 30% of parliament which has to be women but it is not so important or good. In Kurdistan Iraq the women are still no where close to equal with the men. A lot women do not travel with alone. At a check point the security will only ask for the men to speak for the women but not speak to the women themselves like they are not existing. The men are acting like the women are owned by the men. Woman is receive respect only if she does not go out of her father or husband's talk. The circumcision happens a lot and this is a distasting and criminal way against young girls which is also very danger. Honour killings is happen today. It is better if there is 20% or 10% or 0% but the normal women are treated better and equal and not like today.
ReplyDeleteMy respect