Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani met with former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to discuss Iraq’s upcoming parliamentary elections.
The leaders exchanged views on the political process, election preparations, and the participation of political forces and communities across the country. They emphasized maintaining security and stability throughout the election period.
Barzani and al-Abadi stressed that differences between Erbil and Baghdad should be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding. They highlighted cooperation as key to ensuring a smooth electoral process and safeguarding public confidence.
The Al-Nasr Coalition, led by al-Abadi, currently holds four parliamentary seats, down from 19 in 2018. Ahead of the elections, the coalition announced it will not field its own candidates. Instead, it will support Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s bid for a second term, citing concerns over electoral integrity.
Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission reported a total electorate of over 21 million voters. The official campaign period will run until 24 hours before the start of special voting, allowing parties and candidates to engage with the public.
Observers note that coordination between regional and federal leaders remains crucial to maintaining stability and ensuring that all communities participate safely in the elections.