US will monitor Kurdistan election

WASHINGTON DC - The United States is monitoring the Kurdistan Region election, the State Department spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

“Staff volunteers from US mission Iraq will participate in observing the elections at polling sites across the IKR [Iraqi Kurdistan Region]. That's something we're doing in coordination with the United Nations, international election experts,” spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a press briefing.

“We are in close contact with Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission, as well as the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, as they ensure that election preparation meets key milestones,” he added.

The Kurdistan Region will go to the polls to elect a new parliament on October 20.

“Elections are a vital element of the democratic process. We support all efforts to ensure they are free, fair and transparent and occur without further disruption or delay,” Miller said.

“And we commend the active participation of civil society and the media for supporting political discourse and raising awareness around issues of importance to Iraqi Kurdistan Region residents in the lead up to these elections,” he added.