On Sunday, U.S. Consul General in Erbil Steve Bitner encouraged voters in the Kurdistan Region to participate in the upcoming elections through a video message in Kurdish, as the campaign intensifies among parties ahead of the parliamentary elections set for October 20.

“The campaign period is a vital period in the electoral process. In the United States, candidates running for office in this period inform voters of how they plan to improve their communities and better their lives,” U.S. Consul General Bitner said.

Campaign season is a vital period in the electoral process. During this time, we encourage voters in the IKR to learn each party’s priorities so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families when voting. pic.twitter.com/IFA1rn9OFm

— U.S. Consulate General Erbil (@USCGERBIL) October 6, 2024

In the United States, the presidential race is ongoing between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with the election scheduled for November 5.

“Like other Americans, I will soon cast my vote in the U.S. elections. What is important is that I participate in the process. How I vote, how anyone votes, in a democracy is something personal and private. I study the position of the candidates, and determine who I think will deliver the best results for my country and my community and vote accordingly,” Bitner said.

“We encourage voters in the Kurdistan Region to learn each party’s priorities during this time so they can make the best decision for themselves and their families when voting.”

Read More: United States Urges Kurdish and U.S. Voters to Participate in Elections

On September 19, U.S. Consul General Bitner also released a video message in which he called on both Kurdish and American citizens to vote in the upcoming U.S. presidential and Kurdistan Parliament elections.

“We encourage the people of the Kurdistan Region to fully participate in the democratic process here by voting on October 20.”