Next Iraqi Kurdistan presidential election

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The Iraqi Kurdistan presidential elections of 2015 were to take place on 20 August 2015, and have since been postponed to 2017.[1][2]

Background

Presidential elections were due to coincide with parliamentary elections in 2013. However, in the months leading to the elections the parliament extended Massoud Barzani’s term for another two years.[3] In 2015, as Barzani's term was due to expire, debates continued as to whether it should be extended further, with supporters citing the Kurdish fight against ISIS and the need for stability in the Kurdish regional government. Others have expressed concern that a continued extension of Barzani's term could lead to a President for Life scenario.[4]

Both Kurdish politicians and observers in the area worry that the polarizing debate over the presidency will destabilize Kurdish democracy and weaken the region in its fight against the Islamic State.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Iraq's Kurdish parliament extends leader's term". Associated Press. 30 June 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  2. 1 2 Salih, Mohammed A. (18 August 2015). "Iraqi Kurds in limbo over president's fate". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  3. ↑ Zebari, Abdel Hamid (July 11, 2013). "Iraqi Kurdish Parties Dispute Law Extending Barzani Presidency". Al Monitor. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
  4. ↑ Salih, Mohammed A. (May 22, 2015). "Fate of Kurdish presidency divides Iraqi Kurds". Al Monitor. Retrieved 30 August 2015.
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