“Unfortunately, after the events of October 16, in Kirkuk, Khanaqin, Shingal, Jalawla, Sadiyah, Qaratapa, and other areas, the military and security authority do not allow the offices of the Kurdistani parties, which are legal and official parties, to be opened,” reads a letter dated April 23 from the PUK’s politburo to the three presidencies of Iraq – the president, prime minister, and parliament speaker.
The PUK said that “unconstitutional pressure” is being exerted on the political parties during the election campaign and houses of members of Kurdish parties are “occupied.”
October 16 was the day Iraqi forces and Hashd al-Shaabi militias began to take over the disputed territories, ousting the Peshmerga with minimal conflict.
Under Iraqi control, thousands of Kurds fled their homes, houses and shops were set on fire, looted, or confiscated. The Kurdistan flag has been banned, even by candidates for the parliament.
“It is known to you, that such imposition of military and security rule is contrary to the constitution. Continuing the policy of stripping the political freedoms of parties in these areas has led to harmful skepticism in the public opinion,” the PUK stated, adding that they feared the situation could lead to “harmful incidents.”
The party demanded a resolution as quickly as possible.
Kirkuk is a stronghold of the PUK.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) has boycotted the vote in disputed Kirkuk, describing the city as “occupied.”
Gorran, Komal, and the Coalition for Democracy and Justice (CDJ) are running on a joint Homeland (Nishtiman) list in the disputed areas.
In Tuz Khurmatu, which saw some of the worst violence in the October events, the Iraqi parliament has established a committee to investigate what happened.
The area has also seen a growing threat from ISIS militants who remain in the region.
