Iraqi Election 2005
Two researchers from Human Rights Watch observed the January 30 elections in the Kurdish controlled region of northern
Iraq. They visited five polling stations in the Arbil Governorate: two in Arbil city, one in Ainkawa and two in
Koisanjaq. Security was intense but, despite fears of attack, no violent incidents were reported. On the whole, the
voting went well, with voter turnout high. The two main Kurdish political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), formed a joint list for the national and Kurdish assemblies. They did, however,
compete in local provincial elections and both parties complained of some threats and manipulation by the other side.