ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Islamic Union (KIU) released a statement late on Saturday rejecting the preliminary results of Kurdistan Region parliamentary election, claiming allegations of fraud had “made the process ugly”. The KIU said it is “concerned about the violations and rigging conducted by ruling parties which has made the process ugly and increased the votes of ruling parties in an extraordinary way and away from democratic measures and human rights.” The statement followed a meeting where party officials discussed the election and its outcomes. “The meeting decided to reject the preliminary results due to all the violations and rigging conducted during the process.” The KIU’s seats were slashed by half in the September 30 election, falling from 10 to five. The party acknowledged it had lost support. “KIU leadership frankly admits the unwanted retreat and is ready to shoulder all responsibilities in this regard,” the statement said. It pledged to reform, renew, and set out plans to face the reality. It said there are several options ahead for the party, including “boycotting the whole political process”. The party will act in accordance with its by-laws and “we will announce our clear decision and position in this regard.” The Change Movement (Gorran) and New Generation have also expressed concerns over the preliminary results, claiming both the ruling Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have increased their vote share through rigging and corruption – something denied by both parties. It could be several weeks before the election commission publishes the official results as it processes the complaints and investigated the allegations.
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