Ain Network Holds Electoral Awareness Forum for Journalists in Erbil as Part of the “Democracy and Transparency” Project

Erbil – Wednesday, July 9, 2025

As part of the activities of the “Democracy and Transparency: Empowering Civic Engagement and Freedom of Media” project, funded by the European Union, in cooperation with the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA) and in partnership with Tammuz and Shams networks,

Ain Network for Election and Democracy Monitoring organized an electoral awareness dialogue forum for journalists in Erbil province, held at Canyon Hotel.

The forum was organized as part of the activities of the Subcommittee for Electoral Awareness in Erbil, aiming to enhance public participation in the electoral process and raise awareness among journalists regarding the procedures of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC), particularly the voter data update process and the importance of ensuring free and fair participation.

The event was attended by the President of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate and the Director of the IHEC Erbil Office, along with a large number of journalists representing the majority of active media outlets in the province, including Al Iraqiya TV, Rudaw, Kurdistan 24, Zagros TV, and Kurdistan TV. Also in attendance were representatives of partner organizations and members of the Erbil Electoral Awareness Subcommittee.

The forum opened with welcoming remarks and a presentation on the project, its goals, and the activities implemented and planned.

This was followed by a speech from Mr. Marwan Mohammed, Director of the IHEC Erbil Office, who welcomed the participants and thanked Ain Network for organizing such an important event, especially for journalists who play a critical role throughout all stages of the electoral process. He also outlined the office’s preparations for the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Next, Mr. Azad Hama Amin, President of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, delivered a speech in which he also thanked Ain Network for the invitation and coordination with the syndicate. He emphasized the vital role of the media in supporting democracy and called for strengthened cooperation between the Commission, election monitoring networks, the journalists' syndicate, and various media institutions.

Representatives from IHEC then presented a comprehensive overview of the biometric update mechanisms and the process of issuing voter ID cards, stressing the importance of active participation in the elections as a means of democratic change. They also highlighted the influential role of journalists in educating the public and delivering messages through various media channels.

Toward the end of the forum, the floor was opened for questions, comments, and discussion. After a constructive and engaging dialogue, the forum concluded with a group photo of the participants.