THE DEMOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION IN THE REGION

The Kurds form the greatest majority of the population in the region, besides a Christian minority
comprising Khaldeans and Assyrians, and few Armenian families and Turkumans as well.
Kurdish is the official language of the region along with Arabic.
The minorities enjoy their respective rights and they have their own seats in the parliament
as well as portfolios in the regional government. Their rights are ensured in the fields of culture
and learning, and they have their private schools as well as their own information media, like
newspapers, radio and TV stations, and their right to assume general posts is observed
without any discrimination.

THE MOST IMPORTANT PRINCIPLES REFERRED TO BY ELECTION LAW OF THE IKNA

The principle of direct general, by secret ballot,

Equality between men and women in exercising the franchise and candidature rights,

Elections are based on the proportional system on the basis of party lists, stipulating the minimum 7% of total votes a threshold for the winning list,

It is not allowed to occupy a public post together with membership of the Assembly.

THE SESSIONS OF THE ASSEMBLY

The Assembly has two conventional sessions a year:

The first session covers the months March - June.

The second session covers the months September -December.

The assembly is elected for a four-year term.

ASSEMBLY FORMATIONS

Presidium Body, comprising the President, Vice President
and the Secretary of the Assembly.

The Assembly, comprising (105) members.*

Standing Committees of the Assembly, and they are the following:

*It is worth mentioning that there are eight
elected female members in the Assembly.

	Committee on Legal Affairs.
	Committee on Internal Affairs.
	Committee on Finance and Economy.
	Committee on Relations and Culture.
	Committee on Human Rights and Complaints.
	Committee on General Services, Health, and Social Affairs.
	Committee on Education and Higher Education.
	Committee on Industry, Agriculture and Irrigation Affairs, Planning, Development and Construction.
	Committee on Peshmarga Affairs.
	Committee on Awqaf ( Endowment ) Affairs.

For more information:
Kurdistan National Assembly-Arbil
Tel.: +873 - 761 918 25    Fax:  +873- 761 918 26

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Revised: 17-12-2000 by Alex Atroushi