Saadi Ahmed Pire, PUK Spokesman 

The Kurdish issue emerged as a topic of discussion among international powers at the beginning of the last century, despite the recognition of the right to self-determination for everyone in international laws and treaties. Woodrow Wilson, during his second term as President, delivered a significant speech to the US Congress on January 8, 1918. This speech, known as the Woodrow Wilson Principles, attempted to establish the basis for peace following World War I. It outlined 14 principles that focused on human rights. According to his article, the Kurdish leadership has been unable to address the issue on the international and regional fronts despite their long history of political and revolutionary efforts.

In the early 1970s, the Iraqi government, under the leadership of the ruling Ba'ath Party, presented a significant opportunity by declaring a nationwide reconciliation on the morning of March 11 and subsequently reaching an agreement with the leadership of the September Revolution. However, once again, the Kurds were unable to realise their aspirations, and the collapse of the revolution left the Kurdish people utterly disappointed. Amidst this challenging circumstance, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) emerged as a prominent organisation and declared the commencement of a new revolution by our people, thereby restoring hope among its people. Nevertheless, However, Iraq and regional countries conspired against the new revolution. The power of the Ba'ath state and the war between Iraq and Iran also contributed to the neglect of the Kurdish revolution and its rightful claims. The chemical attack on Halabja and the unjust Anfal process brought the Kurdish struggle back into the spotlight. The tragedy drew global attention to our nation following the historic conference, enabling the Kurds to establish an autonomous parliament and local administration with international backing.

The PUK and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) fulfilled their responsibility of governing the Kurdistan Region for many years. As two allies, using the backing of countries, they successfully managed a peaceful Kurdistan. Regrettably, due to the illness and eventual passing of our nation's leader, Mam Jalal, a significant void has emerged in the political landscape of Kurdistan, leading to the resurgence of many longstanding issues and conflicts. This presented a significant threat to our Region as these two factions are the primary pillars of Kurdistan's administration. 

The Kurdistan Region has significant foreign backing, with numerous consulates and offices of American and European countries present. Furthermore, the majority of world leaders exhibit profound empathy towards the Kurds and their cause. But is the Kurdish leadership prepared for this level of attention and support? 

One of the most admirable aspects of Kurdistan's governance is its democratic process. However, it is currently being compromised as attempts are being made to replace it with the autocratic rule of a single party. We all hope for the continued development of Kurdistan's democracy through the peaceful transfer of power based on democratic principles. It is evident that the leadership of certain political parties does not prioritise the success of the democratic process in Kurdistan to the same extent as the international community, especially powerful countries. The Kurdistan elections have had multiple delays, and there are no justifiable reasons for these postponements. Our allied nations are concerned about this and are keen on carrying out the procedure in an open and democratic manner.

The PUK, as part of its dedication to promoting the democratic process, views the Kurdistan parliamentary elections as a prime opportunity to enhance governance in Kurdistan, which also aligns with one of the primary slogans of the PUK. Given the challenging international and regional circumstances, conducting elections is crucial to demonstrate our nation's commitment to democracy and showcase our existence as a vibrant nation. Therefore, I believe that the global community is closely observing the next elections in Kurdistan. It is imperative for us and the KDP to prioritise our efforts in order to ensure the success of the process through a peaceful campaign, devoid of any tension or concern. We must be mindful that the neighbouring countries are undermining our experience. They obstructed the holding of democratic elections in West Kurdistan that aimed to establish a lawful governing body in their region. Similarly, the enemies of our nation do not like to witness the accomplishments of the democratic process in the Kurdistan Region.

Therefore, we must do something ourselves. We have to defeat the plan of our enemies and elect a parliament that effectively meets the desires of our nation through reliable and transparent governance while safeguarding the influence and status of the Kurdistan Region on the global stage.The Kurdish issue emerged as a topic of discussion among international powers at the beginning of the last century, despite the recognition of the right to self-determination for everyone in international laws and treaties. Woodrow Wilson, during his second term as President, delivered a significant speech to the US Congress on January 8, 1918. This speech, known as the Woodrow Wilson Principles, attempted to establish the basis for peace following World War I. It outlined 14 principles that focused on human rights. According to his article, the Kurdish leadership has been unable to address the issue on the international and regional fronts despite their long history of political and revolutionary efforts.

In the early 1970s, the Iraqi government, under the leadership of the ruling Ba'ath Party, presented a significant opportunity by declaring a nationwide reconciliation on the morning of March 11 and subsequently reaching an agreement with the leadership of the September Revolution. However, once again, the Kurds were unable to realise their aspirations, and the collapse of the revolution left the Kurdish people utterly disappointed. Amidst this challenging circumstance, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) emerged as a prominent organisation and declared the commencement of a new revolution by our people, thereby restoring hope among its people. Nevertheless, However, Iraq and regional countries conspired against the new revolution. The power of the Ba'ath state and the war between Iraq and Iran also contributed to the neglect of the Kurdish revolution and its rightful claims. The chemical attack on Halabja and the unjust Anfal process brought the Kurdish struggle back into the spotlight. The tragedy drew global attention to our nation following the historic conference, enabling the Kurds to establish an autonomous parliament and local administration with international backing.

The PUK and Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) fulfilled their responsibility of governing the Kurdistan Region for many years. As two allies, using the backing of countries, they successfully managed a peaceful Kurdistan. Regrettably, due to the illness and eventual passing of our nation's leader, Mam Jalal, a significant void has emerged in the political landscape of Kurdistan, leading to the resurgence of many longstanding issues and conflicts. This presented a significant threat to our Region as these two factions are the primary pillars of Kurdistan's administration. 

The Kurdistan Region has significant foreign backing, with numerous consulates and offices of American and European countries present. Furthermore, the majority of world leaders exhibit profound empathy towards the Kurds and their cause. But is the Kurdish leadership prepared for this level of attention and support? 

One of the most admirable aspects of Kurdistan's governance is its democratic process. However, it is currently being compromised as attempts are being made to replace it with the autocratic rule of a single party. We all hope for the continued development of Kurdistan's democracy through the peaceful transfer of power based on democratic principles. It is evident that the leadership of certain political parties does not prioritise the success of the democratic process in Kurdistan to the same extent as the international community, especially powerful countries. The Kurdistan elections have had multiple delays, and there are no justifiable reasons for these postponements. Our allied nations are concerned about this and are keen on carrying out the procedure in an open and democratic manner.

The PUK, as part of its dedication to promoting the democratic process, views the Kurdistan parliamentary elections as a prime opportunity to enhance governance in Kurdistan, which also aligns with one of the primary slogans of the PUK. Given the challenging international and regional circumstances, conducting elections is crucial to demonstrate our nation's commitment to democracy and showcase our existence as a vibrant nation. Therefore, I believe that the global community is closely observing the next elections in Kurdistan. It is imperative for us and the KDP to prioritise our efforts in order to ensure the success of the process through a peaceful campaign, devoid of any tension or concern. We must be mindful that the neighbouring countries are undermining our experience. They obstructed the holding of democratic elections in West Kurdistan that aimed to establish a lawful governing body in their region. Similarly, the enemies of our nation do not like to witness the accomplishments of the democratic process in the Kurdistan Region.

Therefore, we must do something ourselves. We have to defeat the plan of our enemies and elect a parliament that effectively meets the desires of our nation through reliable and transparent governance while safeguarding the influence and status of the Kurdistan Region on the global stage.