2018 Kurdistan Region parliamentary election

{{Politics of Kurdistan Region}}

{{Politics of Kurdistan Region}}

'''Parliamentary elections''' took place in the [[Kurdistan Region]] on 30 September 2018 to elect [[Kurdistan Region Parliament|Parliament]].{{cite web |title=KDP comes first in Iraqi Kurdistan election |website=[[Reuters]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430132029/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY |archive-date=2023-04-30 |url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY}} The election came a year after the [[2017 Kurdistan Region independence referendum|2017 referendum to succeed]] and left the ruling [[Kurdistan Democratic Party]] (KDP) with 45 seats, that positioning it to lead the next [[Regional Government|regional government]]. Announcement of the results was delayed for three weeks. The KDP's historic rival and junior coalition partner in government, the [[Patriotic Union of Kurdistan]] (PUK), was in second place with 21 seats.{{cite web |title=KDP comes first in Iraqi Kurdistan election |website=[[Reuters]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430132029/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY |archive-date=2023-04-30 |url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY}} The results suggested that [[Masoud Barzani]]’s KDP would take a dominant position in Kurdish politics.

'''Parliamentary elections''' took place in the [[Kurdistan Region]] on 30 September 2018 to elect [[Kurdistan Region Parliament|Parliament]].{{cite web |title=KDP comes first in Iraqi Kurdistan election |website=[[Reuters]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430132029/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY |archive-date=2023-04-30 |url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY}} The election came a year after the [[2017 Kurdistan Region independence referendum|2017 referendum to succeed]] and left the ruling [[Kurdistan Democratic Party]] (KDP) with 45 seats, that positioning it to lead the next [[Government of the Kurdistan Region|regional government]]. Announcement of the results was delayed for three weeks. The KDP's historic rival and junior coalition partner in government, the [[Patriotic Union of Kurdistan]] (PUK), was in second place with 21 seats.{{cite web |title=KDP comes first in Iraqi Kurdistan election |website=[[Reuters]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230430132029/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY |archive-date=2023-04-30 |url-status=live |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-iraq-kurds/kdp-comes-first-in-iraqi-kurdistan-election-idUSKCN1MU0WY}} The results suggested that [[Masoud Barzani]]’s KDP would take a dominant position in Kurdish politics.

== Background ==

== Background ==

[[File:Erbil2018postr2.jpg|thumb|left|Poster for the elections of the Parliament of the Iraqi Kurdistan general election, 2018]]

[[File:Erbil2018postr2.jpg|thumb|left|Poster for the elections of the Parliament of the Iraqi Kurdistan general election, 2018]]

Following the end of the [[Gulf War]] in 1991, a [[Iraqi Kurdish Civil War|civil war]] (mainly between the [[Erbil Governorate|Erbil]] and [[Dohuk Governorate|Dohuk]]-based KDP and the [[Sulaymaniyah Governorate|Sulaymaniyah]]-based PUK) led to the establishment of two separate Kurdish regional governments. Following the reconciliation and a power-sharing agreement between the two parties, and [[2005 Kurdistan Region parliamentary election|Parliamentary elections in 2005]], a unified [[Kurdistan Regional Government]] was created. The joint KDP–PUK [[Democratic Patriotic Alliance of Kurdistan]] assumed power and formed a government that was headed by [[Nechervan Barzani]] (KDP; 2006–09) and [[Barham Salih]] (PUK; 2009–12).

Following the end of the [[Gulf War]] in 1991, a [[Iraqi Kurdish Civil War|civil war]] (mainly between the [[Erbil Governorate|Erbil]] and [[Duhok Governorate|Duhok]]-based KDP and the [[Sulaymaniyah Governorate|Sulaymaniyah]]-based PUK) led to the establishment of two separate Kurdish regional governments. Following the reconciliation and a power-sharing agreement between the two parties, and [[2005 Kurdistan Region parliamentary election|Parliamentary elections in 2005]], a unified [[Kurdistan Regional Government]] was created. The joint KDP–PUK [[Democratic Patriotic Alliance of Kurdistan]] assumed power and formed a government that was headed by [[Nechervan Barzani]] (KDP; 2006–09) and [[Barham Salih]] (PUK; 2009–12).

When former PUK official [[Nawshirwan Mustafa]] broke away to form the new [[Gorran Movement]], the new party primarily damaged the PUK's electoral support in the [[2009 Kurdistan Region parliamentary election|2009 parliamentary elections]]. The KDP–PUK alliance, now renamed as the [[Kurdistan List]], formed another government headed by Nechervan Barzani.

When former PUK official [[Nawshirwan Mustafa]] broke away to form the new [[Gorran Movement]], the new party primarily damaged the PUK's electoral support in the [[2009 Kurdistan Region general election|2009 general elections]]. The KDP–PUK alliance, now renamed as the [[Kurdistan List]], formed another government headed by Nechervan Barzani.

Presidential elections were due to coincide with [[2013 Kurdistan Region parliamentary election|parliamentary elections]] in 2013, but however, in the months leading to the elections, the parliament extended [[Massoud Barzani]]’s term for another two years.{{cite news|last1=Zebari|first1=Abdel Hamid|title=Iraqi Kurdish Parties Dispute Law Extending Barzani Presidency|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/07/barzani-iraq-kurdistan-region-term-extension-controversy.html#|accessdate=30 August 2015|agency=Al Monitor|date=July 11, 2013}} When the parliamentary elections were held, the [[Kurdistan Democratic Party]] (KDP) and the [[Patriotic Union of Kurdistan]] (PUK) ran on separate lists for the first time since 1992. With its traditionally strong backing in [[Dohuk Governorate|Dohuk]] and [[Erbil Governorate|Erbil]] provinces, the KDP managed to expand its plurality, while falling short of an outright majority. The PUK also suffered from internal conflicts during the absence of its leader [[Jalal Talabani]], who was recovering from a stroke, and from strong competition by the [[Gorran Movement]], which established itself as the strongest party in [[Sulaymaniyah Governorate|Sulaymaniyah]], previously a major stronghold of the PUK.{{cite web |title=Iraq Election Watch: KRG Parliamentary Elections |publisher=[[National Democratic Institute]] |url=https://www.ndi.org/files/NDI-Iraq-Election-Watch-Ed7.pdf |date=19 November 2013 |accessdate=14 June 2016}}

Presidential elections were due to coincide with [[2013 Kurdistan Region parliamentary election|parliamentary elections]] in 2013, but however, in the months leading to the elections, the parliament extended [[Massoud Barzani]]’s term for another two years.{{cite news|last1=Zebari|first1=Abdel Hamid|title=Iraqi Kurdish Parties Dispute Law Extending Barzani Presidency|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2013/07/barzani-iraq-kurdistan-region-term-extension-controversy.html#|accessdate=30 August 2015|agency=Al Monitor|date=July 11, 2013}} When the parliamentary elections were held, the [[Kurdistan Democratic Party]] (KDP) and the [[Patriotic Union of Kurdistan]] (PUK) ran on separate lists for the first time since 1992. With its traditionally strong backing in [[Duhok Governorate|Duhok]] and [[Erbil Governorate|Erbil]] provinces, the KDP managed to expand its plurality, while falling short of an outright majority. The PUK also suffered from internal conflicts during the absence of its leader [[Jalal Talabani]], who was recovering from a stroke, and from strong competition by the [[Gorran Movement]], which established itself as the strongest party in [[Sulaymaniyah Governorate|Sulaymaniyah]], previously a major stronghold of the PUK.{{cite web |title=Iraq Election Watch: KRG Parliamentary Elections |publisher=[[National Democratic Institute]] |url=https://www.ndi.org/files/NDI-Iraq-Election-Watch-Ed7.pdf |date=19 November 2013 |accessdate=14 June 2016}}

The provincial elections were delayed until November, and then again to [[2014 Kurdistan Region governorate elections|2014]], when they were held in conjunction with the [[2014 Iraqi parliamentary election|Iraqi parliamentary election]]. In 2015, as Barzani's term was due to expire, debates continued as to whether it should be extended further, with supporters citing the [[Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014)|northern Iraq offense]] and the need for stability in the Kurdish regional government. Others have expressed concern that a continued extension of Barzani's term could lead to a [[President for Life]] scenario.{{cite news|last1=Salih|first1=Mohammed A.|title=Fate of Kurdish presidency divides Iraqi Kurds|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/05/iraq-kurdistan-president-barzani-term-parliamentary-system.html#|accessdate=30 August 2015|agency=Al Monitor|date=May 22, 2015}}

The provincial elections were delayed until November, and then again to [[2014 Kurdistan Region governorate elections|2014]], when they were held in conjunction with the [[2014 Iraqi parliamentary election|Iraqi parliamentary election]]. In 2015, as Barzani's term was due to expire, debates continued as to whether it should be extended further, with supporters citing the [[Northern Iraq offensive (August 2014)|northern Iraq offense]] and the need for stability in the Kurdish regional government. Others have expressed concern that a continued extension of Barzani's term could lead to a [[President for Life]] scenario.{{cite news|last1=Salih|first1=Mohammed A.|title=Fate of Kurdish presidency divides Iraqi Kurds|url=http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2015/05/iraq-kurdistan-president-barzani-term-parliamentary-system.html#|accessdate=30 August 2015|agency=Al Monitor|date=May 22, 2015}}

Both Kurdish politicians and observers in the area worry that the polarizing debate over the presidency will destabilize Kurdish democracy and weaken the region in its fight against the [[Islamic State]].{{cite news|last1=Salih|first1=Mohammed A.|title=Iraqi Kurds in limbo over president's fate|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/iraqi-kurds-limbo-president-fate-150818080100886.html|accessdate=30 August 2015|agency=Al Jazeera|date=18 August 2015}} In July 2016, Barzani announced that he would not seek another term as [[President of Kurdistan Region|president]].{{cite web|title=Barzani: I will not stand in next presidential elections|url=http://rudaw.net/mobile/english/kurdistan/140720162|accessdate=25 July 2016|agency=[[Rudaw Media Network]]|date=14 July 2016}} The [[Kurdistan Region Parliament]] on 24 October 2017 announced that the elections for the presidency and the parliament had been delayed by eight months. The decision was made after the [[Independent High Electoral Commission|electoral commission]] stated that the political parties had failed to register their candidates amidst the [[2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict|Iraqi-Kurdish clashes]].{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-kurds-elections/iraqi-kurdistan-parliament-delays-presidential-elections-by-eight-months-idUSKBN1CT1KE|title=Iraqi Kurdistan parliament delays presidential elections by eight months|work=Reuters|date=24 October 2017|accessdate=1 November 2017}}

Both Kurdish politicians and observers in the area worry that the polarizing debate over the presidency will destabilize Kurdish democracy and weaken the region in its fight against the [[Islamic State]].{{cite news|last1=Salih|first1=Mohammed A.|title=Iraqi Kurds in limbo over president's fate|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2015/08/iraqi-kurds-limbo-president-fate-150818080100886.html|accessdate=30 August 2015|agency=Al Jazeera|date=18 August 2015}} In July 2016, Barzani announced that he would not seek another term as [[President of the Kurdistan Region|president]].{{cite web|title=Barzani: I will not stand in next presidential elections|url=http://rudaw.net/mobile/english/kurdistan/140720162|accessdate=25 July 2016|agency=[[Rudaw Media Network]]|date=14 July 2016}} The [[Kurdistan Region Parliament]] on 24 October 2017 announced that the elections for the presidency and the parliament had been delayed by eight months. The decision was made after the [[Independent High Electoral Commission|electoral commission]] stated that the political parties had failed to register their candidates amidst the [[2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict|Iraqi-Kurdish clashes]].{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq-kurds-elections/iraqi-kurdistan-parliament-delays-presidential-elections-by-eight-months-idUSKBN1CT1KE|title=Iraqi Kurdistan parliament delays presidential elections by eight months|work=Reuters|date=24 October 2017|accessdate=1 November 2017}}

== Participating parties ==

== Participating parties ==

== Electoral system ==

== Electoral system ==

The 111 members of the [[Kurdistan National Assembly]] were elected by open list proportional representation in a single constituency. Five seats were reserved for the Christian Assyrian minority, five for Turkmen, and one for Armenians. Furthermore, 30% of the members must be women.

The 111 members of the [[Kurdistan National Assembly]] were elected by [[open list]] proportional representation in a single constituency. Five seats were reserved for the Christian Assyrian minority, five for Turkmen, and one for Armenians. Furthermore, 30% of the members must be women.

== Notable participating parties ==

== Notable participating parties ==