IHEC examines complaints related to the campaign; the ministry warns…

EBRIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) on Wednesday handled more than 40 complaints of campaign violations, including inappropriate flag placements and unauthorized posters, as authorities warned against illegal removal of posters.

“On the days of the election campaign, 44 complaints from lists and candidates were registered with the commission,” Imad Jamil, head of the IHEC media team, told Rudaw.

Some complaints to IHEC concerned the placement of flags and the way they are displayed.

“The nature of some of the complaints,” Jamil said, “includes the placement of photos in unauthorized locations and the hanging of photos on the walls of government offices.”

The official campaign period for elections in the Kurdistan Region began on September 25 and ended on Tuesday, with parties rallies and the presentation of their programs for the next government.

Jamil explained that seven complaints filed with IHEC were accepted, nine rejected and 28 are under review, with decisions expected soon.

Early voting for the legislative election will take place on Friday and general voting will take place on Sunday.

He noted that affected parties were informed of valid complaints and some took steps to remedy the violations.

“The nature of some of the complaints concerned…including the placement of photos in unauthorized locations and the hanging of photos on the walls of government offices,” Majid said.

According to IHEC guidelines, candidates, parties and coalitions have three days after being notified to rectify violations, which may include financial fines or even revocation of validation of the candidacy, party or of the coalition.

On Wednesday, Hemin Mirani, the director general of the Interior Ministry, announced on Facebook that “candidates and political parties are responsible for collecting” campaign posters and flags from streets and buildings after the election .

He also warned that those who removed the metal frames holding the posters would face legal consequences.

There are 1,191 candidates running for the Kurdistan parliament, which has 100 seats – 823 men and 368 women – including 38 candidates for five minority quota seats.