Elections in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq are a key measure of its capacity for self-governance and democracy.
This year, the parliamentary election takes place amid internal divisions within Kurdish political parties. It comes 10 years since ISIS invaded Iraq, in an ethnically and religiously diverse part of the country where demographic divides are stark and tension runs high.
But this year, there’s something else in the mix: the sitting Kurdish Parliament is two years beyond its maximum term, rendered functionally illegitimate.
In a year of watershed elections across the Middle East, the one set to take place in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq on October 20 is nothing less. The semi-autonomous region in Iraq with its own constitution, parliament and capital city.
Its parliament has long been dominated by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). This year, its rival, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is trying to make a comeback.
Voters are expected to head to the polls as economic worries run high and minority groups have lost their quota seats.
For many Kurds, these elections feel like more of the same. But could this year be different?
In this episode of Year of Elections, Yasmeen Altaji hears from politicians and experts to answer the questions: what happened and what comes next?
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Draw:
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi
Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania
Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia
Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola
Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau
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Volvo ES90 Specs
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How to help
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BIGGEST CYBER SECURITY INCIDENTS IN RECENT TIMES
SolarWinds supply chain attack: Came to light in December 2020 but had taken root for several months, compromising major tech companies, governments and its entities
Microsoft Exchange server exploitation: March 2021; attackers used a vulnerability to steal emails
Kaseya attack: July 2021; ransomware hit perpetrated REvil, resulting in severe downtime for more than 1,000 companies
Log4j breach: December 2021; attackers exploited the Java-written code to inflitrate businesses and governments
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Our commentary on Brexit
- Alistair Burt: Despite Brexit, Britain can remain a world power
- Sam Williams: Departure is influenced by its sense of place
• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain
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• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
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• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
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Kareem Shaheen on Canada
Tomorrow 2021
While you're here
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On Women's Day
Dr Nawal Al-Hosany: Why more women should be on the frontlines of climate action
Shelina Janmohamed: Why shouldn't a spouse be compensated fairly for housework?
Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality
The National Editorial: Is there much to celebrate on International Women's Day 2021?
While you're here
Chitrabhanu Kadalayil: Singapore election is more than just a family feud over LKY's legacy
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Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: UAE and Singapore can be partners for a world in transition
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