509 candidates run for Kurdish elections – IHEC

ARBIL / IraqiNews.com: The Independent High Electoral Commission in Kurdistan approved 42 political blocs and rejected seven blocs, asserting that a total of 509 candidates will run for the parliamentary elections, a member of the IHEC said Thursday. “The IHEC approved 42 political blocs, including 20 political blocs and 15 within alliances and withdrew seven blocs from the competition,” Hamdiya al-Husseini said at a press conference in Arbil, attended by IraqiNews.com news agency. “A total of 509 candidates will run for elections,” she added. “Five poll stations will be opened in Baghdad and its districts to vote on the elections and 84 stations in Arbil, Sulaimaniya and Duhuk,” she also said. The IHEC in Kurdistan had said on Tuesday (May 19) that 25 lists, including five alliances, will take part in the upcoming parliamentary elections.   SH (P)/SR     1