+964

2024-08-17 | 12:23

ERBIL — Erbil’s Asayish security forces have issued a warning ahead of the Oct. 20 election campaigns, emphasizing that the distribution of weapons among voters will not be tolerated and will result in legal consequences. “If anyone or any entity distributes weapons during the election campaigns among voters, the law regarding weapons will be strictly enforced, and penalties will be applied,” the Asayish stated in an official release.

The statement also expressed a desire for a peaceful electoral process. “We hope that no unwanted incidents occur during the elections and that the process proceeds smoothly as planned.” Asayish urged all parties, political entities, and individuals to refrain from any actions involving arms during the election period, emphasizing that such behavior is strictly prohibited.

“We request that no one distributes weapons among voters and members, as this will lead to legal action and enforcement of the law,” the statement reiterated.

As the federal electoral commission gears up for the campaign for the Kurdistan Region’s parliamentary election in October, concerns linger over past allegations of weapon distribution by major parties. Omer Gulpi, a former member of the Kurdistan Justice Group MP, addressed these issues, alleging, “It’s the ruling parties who distribute weapons among their voters.

“Government offices have consistently failed to override the will of their political leaders.”

Much of the Kurdistan Region’s security forces are split between the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan.

Gulpi also alleges that legal violations by these parties, referencing Law No. 17 of 1993 on Political Parties in the Kurdistan Region, which prohibits parties from maintaining large numbers of fighters and weapons.

“The only way to eradicate this issue is for the ruling parties to return to the rule of law and hand over their weapons to the government,” Gulpi asserted.

This focus on gun control was intensified following the June 28, 2022, killings of two university professors in Erbil, which led to public outcry. In response, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani ordered the closure of all firearms markets and the confiscation of unlicensed weapons, directing the Ministry of Interior to digitalize gun registration procedures to better control unregistered firearms.

Under Article 15 of the Arms Law, No. 2 of 2022, anyone found in possession of an unlicensed weapon or ammunition is subject to one to three years in prison, a fine of two to five million Iraqi dinars, and confiscation of the weapons.

+964