October 16th and the Election Campaign!

Razhan Ahmad – Political Activist

Once again, we approach the anniversary of the October 16, 2017  betrayal an event that eight years ago marked one of the darkest chapters in our recent history. On that day, the two ruling parties committed an act of historic treachery that led to the loss of 51% of Kurdistan’s territory and the martyrdom of dozens of patriotic Peshmergas and courageous young men.

In a shameful meeting between the PUK and KDP, Kirkuk called by them the Jerusalem of Kurdistan was disgracefully handed over to Hashd al-Shaabi. It was bartered away at the tables of corrupt politicians, sold cheaply in a political marketplace devoid of honour or conscience.

As you know, the election campaign has just begun. And once again, the ruling candidates are attempting to mislead the people with empty promises and hollow slogans. Both parties rely on deception and false narratives, seeking only to secure their power for another four years.

Ironically, these same parties now claim they will recapture Kirkuk the very city they surrendered to Baghdad eight years ago. Today, Kirkuk has become nothing more than a campaign slogan, a manipulative tool to stir emotions and exploit the people’s national sentiment.

We must never forget that these two parties were directly responsible for the tragedy of October 16th a betrayal that cost the lives of brave young patriots. Their record is devoid of real achievements, yet during election season they parade with arrogance, pretending to be the saviours of the nation.

Most of their candidates, whether from the KDP or the PUK, act under the strict command of their party leaders. They do not serve the public interest, but rather advance the narrow ambitions of their own factions, violating every democratic and moral principle.

It is now up to the conscious and awakened citizens not to fall once more into the trap of false promises and deceitful words. To entrust another four years to the same tribal and self-serving rulers is to invite more suffering. In the end, the citizens themselves will pay the price of their unconsciousness and deliver a group of arrogant candidates to their imaginary dreams.