Iraqi Kurds Cast Votes Amid Economic Turmoil and Political Rivalry

Iraqi Kurds recently voted for a new regional parliament as they face an economic crisis triggered by halted oil exports and intense rivalry between major political parties. The election aims to select lawmakers who will choose leaders for the semi-autonomous region, which is experiencing significant economic and political challenges.

In a pivotal election, Iraqi Kurds turned out to vote for a new regional parliament aiming to navigate a severe economic crisis and the fierce competition between prominent political factions. The ballot aims to elect 100 lawmakers responsible for selecting a parliament speaker, a president, and a prime minister for the region.

The vote comes at a time of significant financial upheaval due to suspended oil exports, a critical revenue stream. These exports were halted following Turkey's compliance with international orders to pay damages to Baghdad, halting the flow since March last year.

While the dominant Kurdish parties, the KDP and PUK, persist in their rivalry, analysts predict limited immediate resolutions. The elections, postponed multiple times due to political differences, highlight the region's ongoing struggle for unity as citizens express both frustration and hope in democratic processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)