The Kurdistan Region recorded a 75% turnout in Sunday’s special voting for Iraq’s parliamentary elections. The Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) confirmed a smooth and secure process, calling it one of the most successful in recent years.
Nabard Omar, head of IHEC in the Kurdistan Region, said 958 polling stations opened on time and operated efficiently. Early minor glitches were quickly fixed. “By midday, the process was running perfectly,” he said. To prevent voter verification issues, new Face ID systems supported fingerprint scanners.
The enthusiasm of the Peshmerga and other security forces reflected strong leadership. Commander Mansour Barzani urged citizens to “be Peshmerga on November 11” by voting to defend their rights. Other leaders, including Sihad and Rawan Barzani, echoed the same call.
Omar said 1,100 international observers monitored the vote to ensure transparency. Electronic voting machines automatically opened and closed on schedule, eliminating tampering risks. Security officials also banned mobile phones inside polling rooms to protect ballot secrecy.
Female Peshmerga also voted in large numbers, praising the smooth process. The strong turnout and flawless execution mark a proud moment for Kurdistan, setting a positive tone for Tuesday’s general election.