PUK pushes University employees to vote them in elections
Raperin University has reportedly forced staff to fill out forms disclosing their political preferences and the candidates they plan to vote for, with a deadline of last Thursday. This alarming practice echoes Ba’ath-era tactics, where personal information was gathered for political control.
Similar forms have been distributed at Koya University, where employees were indirectly threatened with consequences if they refused to comply. Many have resisted, but the pressure highlights the increasing politicization of academic institutions in the Kurdistan Region.
These actions clearly declare who is ruling academia in Kurdistan. They violate individual freedoms and could have serious implications for both academic independence and the integrity of the upcoming elections. The Independent Electoral Union must investigate this interference urgently.
I am a dedicated member of the Syndicate of Kurdistan Journalists with over seven years of experience in both local and international press. My background includes roles as an editor, translator, and social activist. Through my work, I am committed to ending corruption and human rights violations by uncovering and sharing the truth about what is happening in Kurdistan.