In the election that was decided to be held for the sixth term of the Kurdistan Parliament on (10/6/2024), we conducted an assessment of the educational level of all candidates from all lists, entities, and independent candidates. At that time, according to the official data of the commission, a large number of the candidates did not have degrees, and their educational levels were low. Specifically, out of a total of (861) candidates who submitted their applications to the commission, they consisted of: (23) with doctorates, (48) with master's degrees, (249) with bachelor's degrees, (76) with diplomas, and (465) candidates were registered without degrees. Opposite their names, either primary or intermediate certificates or the phrase "reads and writes" was recorded. Thus, the percentage of those without degrees constituted (54%) of all candidates.

At that time, we at the Pay Organisation, in an appeal directed to all political parties, insisted that they reconsider their candidate lists. So that they nominate individuals who are decisive, experienced, with various expertise, and holders of actual degrees. Because the parliament needs such individuals. At that time, the election was postponed, and an opportunity was given to the political entities to make these changes, which were in both their own interest and that of the people of Kurdistan. In both direct and indirect ways, many political parties promised to do so.

However, what is noticeable is that in the lists they have submitted for the second time for the election to be held on (20/10/2024), not only have satisfactory changes not been made, but according to the official data of the commission, things have regressed. Therefore, out of a total of (1191) candidates from the lists and independents, (36) have doctorates, (51) have master's degrees, (339) have bachelor's degrees, (86) have diplomas, and (679) candidates were registered without degrees. Opposite their names, either primary or intermediate certificates or the phrase "reads and writes" was recorded. In this way, the percentage of those without degrees has risen to (57.01%). This indicates that the political parties do not want to send strong individuals to the parliament.

Although a degree is not every criterion and is one of the criteria, if we want a strong and professional parliament, those who are sent to the parliament according to the existing (19) parliamentary committees must have expertise, and there should not be shortcomings in the work of the committees. All these data are the actual data of the Independent Election Commission and have been registered as official data and are being processed accordingly.

Pay Organization for Education and Development

14/10/2024

Attachment: The educational level of the candidates of those lists and entities that they have submitted to the commission for the election that is decided to be held on (20/10/2024).