04-03-2010Nazm Abdullah, spokesman of the Islamic Group (Komal) says that in a meeting between the Change movement (Gorran), Komal and the Islamic Union of Kurdistan (KIU) decided to boycott the results of the elections, in case of fraud.
The opposition parties that have 30 seats in the Kurdish parliament, expect especially fraud in the Kurdish capital of Erbil (Hawler). Last Summer the Kurdish opposition accused the ruling parties of carrying out fraud. "But we are also afraid that there will be fraudulent practices in Slemani," the spokesperson said.
In case of a major fraud, the three parties will boycott the results. The parties handed over four documents to the Iraqi electoral commission. These documents allegedly prove that fraud is likely. Change list candidate Ali Askeri for Kirkuk already accused the ruling parties of voting fraud in Kirkuk. On Thursday security officers started with voting. The civilians will vote on Sunday.. He also expects fraud in other Kurdish cities.
A spokesman of the PUK said the criticism is unfounded. "These parties know they will not get many votes, because they know the Alliance list (of the ruling parties KDP and PUK) is strong. That’s why they talk about fraud. But the Alliance and the PUK don’t need fraud," said Aref Rushdi..
© Rudaw
