Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq (cabinet.gov.krd) - Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani voted in Kurdistan's parliamentary elections by casting his vote at a polling center in Erbil.

In a press conference following the vote, Prime Minister Barzani stated, “Voting is the right of every citizen. I hope the election will be conducted peacefully and the people of the Kurdistan Region will take part to decide their representatives in the Iraqi Kurdistan Parliament. Whatever the outcome of this election, the people of Kurdistan are the winners.''

Regarding possible problems raised by a journalist, he said, ''In every election, occasionally some issues occur, but up to the moment we haven’t seen any major issues. If there are problems, they will be dealt with by the Electoral Commission.''

Answering to a question on nomination of the new Iraqi President, Prime Minister Barzani informed, “The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has nominated Dr. Barham Saleh and the Kurdistan Democratic Party has nominated Dr. Fuad Hussein, as candidates. We suggested that the Kurdistan factions in the Iraqi Parliament decide on one candidate. We are in negotiations with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan on this proposal and we hope they will accept it."

He added that after the results of the elections are made known officially, all efforts will be exerted to expeditiously form the new Kurdistan Regional Government.