TEWAR PÊCEWANÎ

Kirkuk- Parliamentary elections will be held in Iraq on October 10, 2021. The candidates speed up their election campaigns. According to the Election Law No. 9 of 2020, 83 ballot boxes have been already placed in all 18 provinces of Iraq.

Lawyer Şirin Abdula is one of the 33 independent candidates in Kirkuk. We spoke to her about her election campaign and the parliamentary elections. “Kirkuk is currently going through a difficult process. Economic, political and social crises have made the situation of citizens difficult. Therefore, I want to serve my people. I believe I will represent my city.”

“Elections can be an opportunity”

People were very happy when Iraq was liberated in 2003, Şirin Abdula said, “However, after a while, they understood that the regional government and Iraqi government couldn’t serve Kirkuk. People of Kirkuk have suffered from electricity, water and unemployment problems. Elections can be an opportunity to govern and serve Kirkuk well.”

“People don’t trust candidates anymore”

Şirin Abdula says the people of Kirkuk don’t trust candidates anymore due to their promises in the past. “They didn’t keep their promises in the past. For this reason, the citizens don’t believe their promises anymore. In addition, female parliamentary members couldn’t work for women. Female voters don’t trust them. As an independent candidate, I would like to indicate that I will work for women. I will serve my people and city.”

“Everyone should cast their votes”

Şirin Abdula also states that she will carry out works for women and young people if she is elected. “As independent candidates, we need to create a network so that we can work on women's rights and serve women. Iraqi people should cast their votes in the elections.”