ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Online voter registration for the Kurdistan diaspora has been extended following widespread problems with the process. However documentation requirements have not been amended. The Kurdistan electoral commission announced on Tuesday afternoon that registration will now continue through to September 22, closing one day before diaspora voters cast their ballots. Many Kurds complained that they have been unable to register because they do not have a ration card or other mandatory documentation. Commission spokesperson Sherwan Zrar told Rudaw English that they have not changed what documents are required in order to complete registration. They have, however, set up an office to assist people with the registration process, including obtaining the ration card if it is held by family members living in Kurdistan. For diaspora Kurds who do not have and cannot obtain their ration card, the commission will record their names and details in order to know how many people are affected by this problem. This office can be contacted by email: help1.khec17@gmail.com, help2.khec17@gmail.com, or help3.khec17@gmail.com; or via Viber or WhatsApp: +964.751.740.9848, +964.751.740.9849, +964.751.740.9868, +964.772.909.2020, +964.772.909.3030, or +964.772.909.4040.
