27th Anniversary of Kurdistan's Democratic Elections
Kurdistan Parliament's Presidency Congratulates the People of Kurdistan on the anniversary of democratic elections:
Today is the anniversary of Kurdistan’s first democratic election, which was held on 19th May 1992. The Presidency of the Kurdistan Parliament warmly congratulates the people of Kurdistan on this occasion, which heralded a new era of freedom for Kurdistan.
Experiencing freedom for the first time, Kurdistani people asked for democracy to determine their leadership and governance, for the benefit of the people and the nation. On that day, we laid the foundations of statehood and established the separation of powers.
The election was a response to those who believed that the people of Kurdistan were not capable of governing ourselves, however our democratic experience showed that not only are the people of Kurdistan able to govern, but also that our form of governance is a model of coexistence, individual freedom, democracy and freedom of speech, in a part of the world where these principles are often absent, and where the desire for war and a monopoly on power are pervasive.
Despite challenges and obstacles the Kurdistan Parliament is now in its fifth term, and Kurdistan continues to enjoy reasonably broad political participation and representation. On this anniversary, we reiterate that Parliament will continue to be part of the solution for all groups and political entities, and will be a forum for all parties to work together, for strengthening our democratic culture, and for putting the rights of the people of Kurdistan above all interests.
We maintain that the rule of law and democratic processes must be the way to solve problems. We must work together more closely, develop our democratic and electoral system, and give more freedom to implement the rule of law, to ensure a brighter future for Kurdistan and to remain a model of peace and security in a region marked by conflict.
It is our aim also to nurture our culture of coexistence and democracy in Kurdistan, to be an example and to counter those who are unwilling to accept different views and those who gain power through fear and terror.
On this occasion, we also remember those who gave their lives in the Kurdistan liberation movement.
Presidency of the Kurdistan Parliament - 19th May 2019