Report ICAPP and CAPDI Observation Team on the Kurdistan Referendum (Erbil, September 24th-27th , 2017)

 

On the invitation of the ruling party of Kurdistan Regional Government, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), a joint, representative delegation of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and the Centrist Asia Pacific Democrats International (CAPDI), arrived in Erbil for the purpose of observing referendum and monitoring the democratic electoral process has concluded its mission successfully.

Members of the joint delegation include 8 participants, Dr. Tee Ching Seng, Mr. Francis Mangalapus, Mr. Pieter Wattimena, Mr. Yasril Baharuddin, Mr. Chanusnan Kajornphuwapong, Mr. Phatthanakit Misa, Mr. Phansa Chotchan, Mr. Natthawut Noyphilom.

During its stay in Erbil, the delegation met with H.E. Hoshyar Siwaily, Head of Foreign Relations Office of the Kurdistan Democratic Party. The delegation also received a detailed briefing from Mr. Hendrin Mohammed, Head Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission on its functioning, powers and role on how best to organise a transparent referendum.

On September 25th, 2017, the Referendum Day, the delegation visited five (5) polling stations randomly, four (4) within Erbil city and one (1) at Bahrka, suburban of Erbil, during the polling process and observed the following: 1. Polling stations were ready at 08:00 am and opened on time and ended 06:00pm the same day.

2. Election materials were adequately distributed on time and in sufficient quantity in all the observed polling centers;

3. All polling stations observed were attended by electoral officials and observers; Electoral officials demonstrated sufficient understanding of their roles and responsibilities; they were professional, methodical and meticulous in the application of procedures, conducting verification with the utmost care.

4. Adequate security presence was noticed at all observed polling stations;

5. The voter turnout was high in the morning, and partly in the afternoon and voters demonstrated happiness, calm and patience in short queues at observed polling stations ; From the voter’s list, observed voters turn out more than 70% at 4:30pm.

6. Vulnerable, elderly and disabled were supported in their polling process;

7. The polling centers and polling stations were laid out in a manner that allowed easy flow of voters;

8. Strong presence and participation of women as organizers and as voters.

9. Youth participation was also noticeable in the electoral process serving as polling officers, local observers and voters.

 10. The content of ballot is easy understand, which voters were asked to tick YES or No on the ballot asking them just one question in four (4) languages which Kurdish, Turkish, Arabic and Assyrian, “ Do you want the Kurdistan Region and Kurdistan areas outside the ( Kurdistan ) Region to become an independent country? ”

 11. Based on what it has been able to observe, the Observer Team preliminary conclusion is that the referendum were conducted in free, fair and transparent, and, above all, peaceful, non-violent and smooth.

12. The referendum result was preliminary announced on 5:30pm, September 27th, 2017 by Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission, a total of 92.73% voted 'yes' in response to the question, turn out had been high, with approximately 72 per cent of the 5 million strong population taking part.

Our overall conclusion is that the referendum voting process at the polling stations on September 25th, 2017 were credible, transparent and inclusive. We commend and congratulate Kurds voters, the officers and staffs of the Kurdistan Independent High Electoral Commission, the media and all security personnel for their commitment to the democratic process. They were efficient in the conduct of their respective roles, which contributed to the conduct of a peaceful poll on September 25th, 2017.

Kurdistan have been, and will continue to be a force for good in the region. Kurdish Peshmerga forces have been fighting ISIS for the last three years and have sheltered 1.8 million Iraqi and Syrian refugees of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. The Kurdish region is a melting pot of cultures, religions and politics with Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, Christians and Yazidis living side by side. In addition, as an autonomous region it has not posed a threat to any of its neighbours. Kurdish region has been a major trade partner and lucrative market for Iranian and Turkish businesses. The future of Kurdistan would be well served by such an inclusive approach, since it upholds tolerance, harmony and progressive, peaceful coexistence. The ICAPP and CAPDI are more than willing to support this process of promoting peace, reconciliation and inclusive democracy in Kurdistan.