Iraqi Kurds Vote in Referendum for Independence, Baghdad Rejects the Process

By teleSUR

25 September 17

Kurd President Masoud Barzani was one of the first to vote amid a crush of media personnel.

ver 3 million Iraqi Kurds are expected to participate in a referendum to determine whether to pursue independence from Baghdad.

Queues were formed early Monday morning at various polling stations, with Kurd President Masoud Barzani being one of the first to vote amid a crush of media personnel. 

Prior to the casting his ballot, Barzani said he believed the process would be a peaceful one, The Guardian reported.

“We are ready to pay any price for our independence.”

According to an Al Jazeera report, voters view the referendum as historic and an opportunity to separate themselves from the Iraq narrative, while others see the process as undemocratic.

“Today we came here to vote in the referendum for the independence of Kurdistan,” said one voter Tahsin Karim. “We hope that we can achieve independence.”

Baghdad is against the referendum, stating recently that it would not tolerate a "second Israel."

In a televised address on Sunday night, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, said: “The referendum is unconstitutional. It threatens Iraq, peaceful coexistence among Iraqis and is a danger to the region.”

He also stated that, “We will take measures to safeguard the nation’s unity and protect all Iraqis.”

The Turkey Foreign Ministry also opposes the process urging the international community to reject the process. They then warned Iraq Kurdish leaders to dismiss any “utopic goals”, saying it would threaten peace and stability in the region.

Turkey added that they would view the referendum results as “null and void.”

The Independent High Elections and Referendum Commission is observing the process.

The initial results of the poll are expected on Tuesday followed by the official results later in the week.