Kurdistan Regional Government

Statement of the Higher Commission for Municipal Elections

Following are the results of the Municipal Elections
conducted in Iraqi Kurdistan on 26 May 2001

According to law no.6 (1993), Law of Administration of Municipalities, and article-21 of Order no. 1 (2001) issued by the Council of Ministers, the Order regarding elections and announcement of results for mayors and members of municipal councils in the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Higher Commission headed by Mr. Sami Abdul Rahman, Deputy Prime Minister in the Council of Ministers, with members Mr. Fadhil Merani, Minister of the Interior; Mr. Mamun Brifkani, Minister of Municipalities & Tourism; Mr. Hadi Ali, Minister of Justice; Mr. Akram Mantik, Governor of Erbil; Mr. Nechirvan Ahmed, Governor of Duhok; Mr. Haji Mohamed Tahir, Attorney General; and Dr. Sahib Kharaman, head of the Regional Statistics Office; met for the twelfth time on 27 May 2001.

On 16 April 2001, the Commission began according to the above Order to organize the process of municipal council elections. To supervise the election process, the Commission formed a number of legal committees headed by judges, deputy attorney generals, and judge investigators. These committees began their duties on time according to the Order under the direction of the Higher Supervisory Commission headed by a judge.

At eight o'clock on the morning of 26 May 2001 the process of voting promptly started at all election centers and continued up to eight o'clock in the evening of the same day, according to article-16 of the Order. As required by some election centers to meet the need of the voters, time was extended up to ten o'clock of the same day.

The election process was very well organized, including the preparation of computerized lists of eligible voters, official ballot papers and ballot boxes, and meeting the requirements of staff working in the election centers. In addition to managing the process properly, good attention was given to maintaining law and order and a high level of cooperation among voting staff at the election centers.

The election took place in a very calm and democratic environment, and in a fair manner. Voting secrecy was promoted by the use of proper voting booths with the presence of observers at all election centers plus an election observation committee composed of staff members of both Salahaddin and Duhok Universities and staff members of the international community. All observers had the opportunity to perform their functions satisfactorily.

We gladly acknowledge that citizens participated enthusiastically with a heavy turnout to elect their representatives to the municipal councils. In addition to exercising their legal democratic rights, they once again expressed their confidence in the Kurdistan Regional Government experiment. They proved their support for progress in the democratic process and that the interests of the people are above all other considerations.
It was observed that, in general, illiterate people followed the advice of the Commission; family members accompanied many to complete the ballots for them. The freedom of voting for these citizens was thus insured according to their will.

This Commission observed that all committees in the region and all election centers respected the rules and instructions of the election, particularly the closing and opening of the ballot boxes, observing the maximum limit of confidentiality in the process of voting, counting the votes in a transparent manner, and preparing signed minutes of committee meetings declaring the results of the election.

Immediately after the completion of the extended time for voting the committees in the election centers, in a transparent manner and in the presence of representatives of the candidates, started the process of counting the votes. The committee, according to article-9 of the Order, forwarded official minutes of meetings containing the results to the Higher Commission for Municipal Elections.

We gratefully acknowledge with thanks the contribution of all respected judges, deputies of the attorney general, judge investigators, lawyers, representatives of parties, and all the men and women who participated in voting and counting who offered their best efforts to accomplish this process in a professional manner.

According to article-21 of the Order, the Higher Commission for Municipal Elections hereby announces the names of candidates who succeeded to be elected as mayors and members of municipal councils.

Signed by:

Mr. Sami Abdul Rahman
Deputy Prime Minister
Council of Ministers
Head of Higher Commission for
Municipal Elections

Mr. Fadhil Merani
Minister of Interior
Member

Mr. Nechirvan Ahmed
Governor of Duhok
Member

Mr. Akram Mantik
Governor of Erbil
Member

Sheikh Mamun Brifkani
Minister of Municipalities & Tourism
Member

Mr. Hadi Ali
Minister of Justice
Member

Mr. Haji Akrayee
Head of Attorney General's Office
Member

Dr. Sahib Khraman
Head of Regional Statistic Office
Member


Election Observation Report
Municipal Elections in Iraqi Kurdistan Region (Erbil and Duhok Governorates)
May 2001

On May 26, 2001 the local authorities in Erbil and Duhok Governorates of Iraqi Kurdistan held elections for the Municipal posts of Mayor and Municipal members in the region.

At the request of the Deputy Prime Minister an independent Observation Committee was established with a view to providing an overview of the voting and vote counting process for the elections. The mandate for this group did not extend to any assessment of the procedures leading up to Election Day, nor the process of campaigning that preceded it. The group established was made up of 44 members of the academic staff of Erbil and Duhok Universities, supported by a smaller group of 11 international persons. The Observation Committee was chaired by Dr. Dashty B. Dzay in Erbil, with a Deputy, Dr. Ali Mekail Ali, in Duhok. The international volunteers assisted with the training of the group (drawing on guidelines devised by the Electoral Reform Society in London and OSCE, the Organization for Security & Co-operation in Europe) and as technical advisors on Election Day itself, deploying alongside a local observer.

The purpose for establishing the Observation Committee was to increase local confidence in the process and provide some basic assessment of the outcome to the national and international communities.

On Election Day, 20 two-person observation teams were deployed in Erbil and 12 teams in Duhok. According to reports submitted by the teams to the Chairpersons of the Group over 165 polling stations were visited during the voting period, representing 57% of the total number of 289 polling stations. The 32 teams then went on to observe the counting process following the closure of the polls in 32 stations, representing 11% of the total number of counts.

According to these written reports the following general conclusions were found and recommendations made:

General findings and conclusions:
· The observers were welcomed in all centers visited and officials of the centers and the representatives of the parties and independent candidates alike were keen to emphasize the importance they attached to ensuring that the process was scrutinized to ensure that it was free and fair. It is understood that in each Election Center the chairman was legally qualified.

· Other than in one case (which was delayed by 30 minutes), the polling stations all opened on time and generally had all materials and equipment present to allow voting to commence on time. The layout of the stations was also complete including security of access to the stations, adequacy of staff and presence of appropriate facilities for votes to be cast in secret. Each station had a number of double booths to allow voting in private with a helper if needed for illiterate persons.

· There were no campaign materials seen inside any of the polling stations. However, there were a few instances of posters within the vicinity of the entrances of the centers. The Chairperson of the center sometimes ordered these removed without prompting. There were some cases witnessed of pre-printed lists of candidates being discreetly distributed to voters by activists of the parties. This was in violation of campaigning rules to cease activity 24 hours before polling started.

· In a small number of cases facilities were somewhat cramped, especially for the counting process that had to take account of the fact that in Erbil city in particular there were 185 candidates on the voting list, for as many as 7000 voters. In one case the cramped facilities were compounded by poor management of the station resulting in a chaotic situation at the opening of the center.

· The identification of voters by means of ID cards and issuing of the correct number of voting papers was generally well carried out, although the Chairperson in one or two centers had to issue reminders to the staff issuing voting papers on the correct procedures. The voting lists were found to be generally accurate and under-18 years of age that appeared were invariably identified and prevented from voting.

· Although the layout of the centers (including curtained polling booths) provided the opportunity for individuals to vote in secret, in practice small groups of the same family often chose to enter the booth together.

· The length and complexity of the voting process, which required voters to write the names of up to sixteen chosen candidates from lists of as many as 185 names sometimes led voters to write the lists outside the booth where the full list of candidates were posted. Many voters used pre-printed lists prepared by the various parties. In one or two stations a complete list of candidates was posted inside each booth, which was a helpful and legitimate aid to voting.

· Assistance for illiterate voters was present, but often not in sufficient numbers to prevent long delays given the large number in many centers. The expectation that illiterate voters would be accompanied by a literate family member entitled to vote at the same center often proved incorrect.

· The decision to extend hours for voting from 20:00 to 22:00 hours was taken by the Higher Election Committee. The decision was poorly and belatedly communicated, disrupting the process of closure, and in one case, where the count had already started, forcing it to be suspended and the center reopened. In some other outlying areas' cases the instruction was never received.

· There appeared to be some confusion regarding the process to commence the count (possibly compounded by the late decision to extend the voting hours) and resulting in protracted discussions and some delays before the counts began.

· The mechanism chosen to count the votes (with a single verbal reading of each individual ballot paper) was highly transparent but also exceptionally laborious and time consuming. Given the number of candidates contesting the elections this resulted in counts lasting well into the next day and officials being so tired that it potentially reduced the overall effectiveness of the count.

· The reconciliation process to account for all ballot papers issued to each polling station was incomplete, in that no exact record was required of the numbers of papers received, issued, used, spoilt and unused papers remaining.

· In general the poll and count as we have observed it was largely well organized and showed a high level of commitment and enthusiasm by local officials, representatives and voters alike. When asked, the representatives of the candidates present at the centers expressed themselves to be satisfied with the conduct of the voting and counting process. However, in one case party representatives declined to sign off on the results, stating that they had not been authorized to do so.
Recommendations:

Voting

· Greater emphasis should be placed on the media in the run up to the election order to improve voter awareness of the purpose of elections, and the actual voting process. Particular attention needs to be given to the needs of illiterate voters. Efforts to reduce illiteracy nationally will help.

· More training and direction is required for election officials to ensure a consistent approach to key issues and how to deal with most eventualities on the ground. The use of case studies and role-play in training should be increased. This especially applies to the chairman and staff running election Polling Station Committees. Past observers could lend their experience to such training.

· Clearer and more detailed written instructions on key points should be issued by the Higher Election Committee to Polling Station Committees, and incorporated in the training they receive.

· The voter Registration lists should be as up-to-date as possible and revised for this purpose close to any actual election.

· The arrangements for early voting (pre-voting) in a central area by officials, staff and official observers involved in the elections should be properly conducted according to correct polling station rules. The ballot papers issued and used should be precisely accounted for like any other ballot papers in the election. (See also Recommendation 14 below).

· Posting full candidate lists inside the polling booths can increase the use of booths for voting and safeguard the secrecy of voters in exercising their choices.

· The Higher Election Committee should consider devolving decision-making to extend the voting hours to the individual Center Committee in order that it be taken with regard to local circumstances and needs-such as the continuing pressure of voting. It is noted however that the Higher Committee may still view uniformity of opening as an important need as they seek to educate an inexperienced electorate.

· The number of independent observers should be increased so that each Polling Station can be observed at least part of the time.

· All election officials should, before the election starts, sign a formal written declaration that they will uphold the rules and secrecy of the voting process.

· The number of polling officials should be increased to cover those polling stations with large voter populations. Lists of officials should be organized and displayed according to a shift system to cover the entire period of the poll and count, allowing each official adequate rest periods. The needs of illiterate voters, who have not brought a companion helper, should be adequately met by local election officials who have also taken a sworn promise in writing to carry out the voters' wishes correctly and in secrecy.

· The number of polling stations in an election should be increased to ensure the maximum number of voters is manageable (for example, no more than 3000 voters per polling station).

The Count

· The electoral authority should adopt a system that allows for multiple counts of the votes to be conducted at the same time.

· In order to increase the effectiveness of both voting and counting procedures, it would also be advisable to use pre-printed ballots to be marked by the voter, without the need to handwrite their choices.

· A simple Results Protocol form should be introduced to ensure that each and every ballot paper can be accounted for throughout the voting and counting process. This requirement is vital particularly where a result may depend upon a small margin of the votes cast. Accountability in this area is a safeguard against potential abuse. (See Annex 2).

· General: In future, observers of Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaimaniyah Governorates could co-operate to share their experiences and to work together.

Two Annexes are attached, on membership of the Observer Committee and on accountability of ballots.

Signed:

Dr. Dashty B. A. Dzay M.R.C.P. (UK), Chairman of the Observation Committee

30 May 2001

ANNEX 1.
Municipal Election May 2001, Iraqi Kurdistan, Erbil and Duhok Regions

List of National OBSERVERS who took part in the Observation of the election.

Erbil Governorate:
· Dr. Dashti B. Dzay, Chairman of the Observation Committee
· Dr. Najeeb Toma Rassam
· Mr. Khalid Akram Abbas
· Dr. Yousif Jalal Azeez
· Mr. Jamal Mohammed Aziz
· Dr. Ali Mahmood Assad
· Dr. Ahmed Mohammed Ahmed
· Dr. Govend Husain Maolud
· Dr. Sirwan Ali Saleh Rasha
· Dr. Sherko A. Tawfiq
· Dr. Kamal Hamadamin Shekh Younis
· Dr. Ibrahim Ismail Hamarash
· Mr. Husain Ali Wali
· Dr. Khalil Esmail Mohammed
· Dr. Ahmed Merza Merza
· Dr. Wasfi Taher Salih
· Mr. Kamaran Raqib Mufti
· Mr. Tahseen Jameel Salih
· Dr. Mohammed Mustafa Osman
· Prof. Dr. Azad M.A. Nakshbandi
· Dr. Nawzad Waqas Saaid
· Mr. Bzhar Ali Jukal
· Mr. Jawher Fattah Saeed
· Dr. Nabil Adil Fakhri
· Dr. Mustafa Saeed Omer
· Dr. Dara Omer Miran

Duhok Governorate:
· Dr. Ali Mekail Ali, Deputy Chairman of the Observation Committee.
· Dr. Mohammed Shokri Ahmed
· Dr. Mosleh Mohammed Saied
· Dr. Salim Hassan Haji
· Dr. Saleem Ismail Shahbaz
· Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Ramadan
· Mr. Adnan Muhsen Brifcani
· Dr. Abdullah Yaseen Amedy
· Mr. Zerak Aziz Khan
· Dr. Ihsan Qadir Zangana
· Mr. Lokman Taib Omer
· Dr. Nadhim Sulaiman Abdulaziz
· Mr. Omer Mohammed Nori
· Mr. Jawher Rasheed Mohammed
· Dr. Mohammed Beker
· Dr. Mohammed Salih Zebary
· Mr. Mahdi Qadir Kder

In addition there were 12 individuals from the international community who acted as technical advisors to the national ones across Governorates.
ANNEX 2.

ACCOUNTABILITY of Ballot Papers

The Election Committee members in the presence of any accredited Observers in the polling station should:

· Note and record the number of any ballots already received from pre-voting. (See Recommendation 5 above).
· At the start of polling, count and record the number of ballot papers received.
· At the end of polling and before counting starts:
o Count and total the number of ballots remaining unused.
o Pack the unused ballots away safely, (for return to the Higher Election Committee with other ballot papers at the end of the Count).
o Count the total number of voters who signed the Voters Register
o Count the number of Spoiled ballots.

At the Count
Count the number of ballot papers used.

After the Count
Check:
A). The number of blank ballots received on the day Example
of the election from the Higher Committee 3,500
Add the number of ballot papers received from pre-voting 40
Total Received 3,540

B). The number of ballot papers used by voters and counted 3,000
C). The number of ballot papers spoiled 50
Total Used Plus Spoiled 3,050

D). Those ballot papers unused and left over at the end of the count 490

This tally will make it possible to identify the number of all ballot papers issued, used, and remaining, so that all are accounted for. This information should be recorded, among other information on the Results protocol and witnessed by signature of the Election officials and accredited representatives of the parties, in the same way as the result of the count.


IRAQI KURDISTAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

26 MAY 2001

DATA SUMMARY

Following is a summary of the municipal election results of 26 May 2001 in the Erbil and Duhok Governorates. In all, 85 communities with populations of 3,000 or more participated.

The winning candidates for Mayor and Members of Councils were all from the KDP.

Governorate
Erbil Duhok total
Eligible Voters 559,304 327,190 886,494
Ballots Cast 422,912 277,944 700,856
% of Eligible Voters that cast ballots 75.6 85.0 79.0
Ballots for KDP 322,343 245,160 567,503
% for KDP 76.2 88.2 81.0

For complete information, please see Gulan Magazine, Supplementary Issue 322, published on 31 May 31 2001. It can also be viewed at the KDP website www.kdp.pp.se/. The results for all candidates in all 85 communities can be found there.


NEWS ARTICLE: MUNICIPAL RESULTS ARE IN
The Kurdistan Regional Government called for municipal elections to be held on 26 May 2001 in 85 municipalities with 571 elected officials where the population was greater than 3,000. In Erbil and Duhok Governorates, 79 per cent of all eligible voters answered the call to choose from more than 1,000 candidates that stood for election either representing one of the 15 political parties that participated in the elections or as independents.

This year's election corresponded with the 25th anniversary of the Gulan Revolution and the first time that municipal elections have been held in the area since 1957-the last time that such elections were held in Iraq.

For the past few weeks, cities and towns have been awash with banners, streamers, and colourful campaign posters.

Campaigners were busy all around. Some had tents up with campaign workers ready to discuss issues. Trucks and vans decorated in banners patrolled the streets with music blaring or candidates and their workers broadcasting their platforms.

Discussion and debate were hot at home, at work, and in the market. People looked forward to having elected representatives in places of responsibility for their communities. They wanted more accountable public officials.

According to observers who assisted in the process, it was "largely well organized and showed a high level of commitment and enthusiasm by local officials, representatives and voters alike." Reports indicated that the process was handled efficiently at all polling stations. Enough staff were available to keep the lines moving, provide directions, and assist the voters. Voters filled out their ballots in private booths constructed for the election.

KDP President Masoud Barzani along with KRG and KDP senior officials had done everything in their power to ensure that the elections were free and fair and had legal professionals at every polling station to ensure the integrity of the proceedings.

Voter lists were prepared from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) food ration card lists and people picked up their voter cards at the UN food distribution locations. The WFP lists were kept up to date on a regular basis. The computerized database is monitored for irregularities and is a reasonably accurate record of residents. Those not on the list could register in advance of the election.

There were 559,304 eligible voters in Erbil Governorate and of these 422,912 cast ballots (75.6 per cent). In Duhok Governorate, there were 327,190 eligible voters and 277,944 cast ballots (85 per cent).

The KDP won in all municipalities by a large margin-81 per cent of cast ballots. The remaining 19 per cent was shared among the other parties' candidates and independents with the Islamic Party taking second place in the balloting. Twenty-two women were elected in the process. Everyone views these municipal elections as another significant step towards the democratization of the region.