Iraq: Parliamentary elections in Kurdistan region Sep. 30 /update 1

Event

Parliamentary elections will be held in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region on Sunday, September 30. Voting will begin at 08:00 and end at 18:00, with preliminary results expected to be released within 72 hours of the polls closing. Political demonstrations are expected along with heightened security measures, particularly at polling stations.

Context

The last elections held by the Kurdistan Regional Government took place in 2013. There are 111 seats in the Kurdish parliament.

Relations between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region have been deteriorating over the past year since a referendum for Kurdish independence, which was declared illegal by Baghdad and led to the implementation of economic sanctions.

Advice

Individuals in Iraq are advised to closely monitor the situation. The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.