ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - As the parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region draw closer, low-financed independent candidates are finding inexpensive, creative ways for campaigning to win a spot in the Kurdish legislature.
Social media platforms have become a campaign space for all. For Aras Jaafar, an independent candidate from Duhok province, it is the primary outlet where he advocates for jobs to appeal to unemployed young voters.
"I usually get 1,000 to 2,000 views for each live [broadcast on social media], which is better than hanging billboards on the streets that may cause disturbance to the people," Aras told Rudaw.
The race to win a seat in the 100-seated Kurdish parliament has been almost impossible without support from a political party or large donations, and parties in the region financially support their candidates for posting billboards.
Sherzad Abdulwahab, who has nicknamed himself Mama Vandam (Uncle Van Damme) on his Instagram account, appealed to his followers, saying, “the difference between other candidates and me is that other candidates are each given 10 to 20 million [Iraqi dinars] from a major political party and have the support of major media outlets.”
“I may not be able to go from city to city since I do not have a car… but I will reach all cities by a poem or a song. That is a promise,” the Sulaimani-based independent candidate added.
Other independent candidates have turned to friends and acquaintances for printing campaign material. Saadi Rekani has managed to place 20 banners through donations from friends.
“I have two billboards that have not been paid yet,” said Rekani, an independent candidate from Duhok.
Although seemingly effective for some, the strategy has not worked for others.
Dilzar Hassan, an independent candidate in Erbil, said at the start of his campaign he was running to diversify the parliament and get non-party aligned candidates to represent the people in the Kurdish legislature.
Hassan withdrew on Saturday, about a week ahead of the election date and three days before the end of the campaigning period.
“In our country, no independent individual can overcome the dominance of parties, groups, and tribes,” he told Rudaw. “I am not disappointed in my people, but we need stronger civil efforts and media to foster more civility so that individuals can have their own independent voice rather than relying on parties, groups, or tribes.”
According to the Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), candidates cannot quit after the electoral body confirms their names.
However, if a candidate announces their withdrawal and gains enough votes for a seat in the legislature, their election will not be confirmed, and they will be blocked from entering the parliament.
1,191 candidates are vying for the 100-seat Kurdistan parliament - 823 men and 368 women - including 38 candidates for five minority quota seats. The vote is set to take place on October 20.
Rekar Aziz in Erbil and Ayub Nasri in Duhok contributed to this article.