CAIRO - 25 September 2017: Voting in the historic referendum kicked off Monday in northern Iraq, where millions of Kurds are determined to vote for independence despite international demands to call it off and fears of violence and instability.
A war of words has continued since the Kurdish independence referendum was set, however, in the past few weeks the rhetoric has intensified as it became increasingly likely that the referendum would take place.
Kurds casting their vote in Independence referendum
Both Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and Iraqi Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani held press conferences Sunday, where each one ensured that their stances regarding the vote remain unchanged.
Today, Iraqi Kurds will decide for themselves.The results of the referendum are expected to be announced within 72 hours following the end of the vote.
Here is a live update to the historic vote compiled by Egypt Today
19:00 – Kurdish referendum turnout: Erbil 84%, Kirkuk 80%, Duhok 90%, Zakho 94%, Akre 94%, Nineveh 80%, Khanaqin 92%, Jalawla 87%, Qaratapa 62%, Jabara 76%, Rudaw reported.
18:00 – Voting on Kurdish independence referendum closed.
17:06 – Voting closed in Kirkuk. Polling stations were supposed to close at 6:00 p.m but voting was still underway in several towns and cities of the Kurdish-held areas in northern Iraq where people were queuing, according to Rudaw.
17:06 – A curfew on vehicles to be imposed in Kirkuk from 6pm (local time) until further notice, according to Rudaw channel cited local security officials.
16:57 – Turnout of the Kurdish independence referendum was 76 percent, one hour before extending voting for one hour.
16:51 – Turkey closes Rudawo Kurdish channel following Kurdistan referendum, Reuters.
16:51 – Voting of the Iraqi Kurdish Independence referendum extended for more one hour, Al-Arabyia reported.
16:30 – Ari Mamshae, Staffer of President President Masoud Barzani, told Egypt Today.
“We will not be swayed by threats to abandon our rights.”
“The leadership of Kurdistan has extended hand of friendly and peaceful neighborhood to all and that has been proven throughout the last 25 years where we have never caused any security threats”
“No troops can enter areas under the Peshmerga control without cooperation and understanding. The peshmerga forces are always on alert for any moves,” Amri said when asked about recent threats from Iraqi Parliament and Iraqi militias to deploy forces to disputed areas, such as Kirkuk.
16:30 – Ari Mamshae, Staffer of President President Masoud Barzani, told Egypt Today.
“We will not be swayed by threats to abandon our rights.”
“The leadership of Kurdistan has extended hand of friendly and peaceful neighborhood to all and that has been proven throughout the last 25 years where we have never caused any security threats”
“No troops can enter areas under the Peshmerga control without cooperation and understanding. The peshmerga forces are always on alert for any moves,” Amri said when asked about recent threats from Iraqi Parliament and Iraqi militias to deploy forces to disputed areas, such as Kirkuk.
16:20 - Kirkuk announces a night curfew following the end of the referendum on the independence, Reuters reported.
16:14 – Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi forces (People's Mobilization Forces) say they're prepared go to disputed area of Kirkuk after Iraqi PM Haidar al-Abbadi ordered troop deployment, Kurdish media outlet Rudaw reported.
16:12 – Herdi Omar (25), Kirkuk. Translator, told Egypt Today.
“I believe [Independence] is the only solution for all the problems with the central government.”
“Salaries, 140 article in Iraqi's constitution, oil and gas, and the Peshmerga’s budget and arming,” are among the most important issues.
When discussing the celebrations in Kirkuk, Herdi mentioned that “Kurdish people after they vote, they started shooting in the air in some areas in Kirkuk”, however “security forces announced that such actions would lead to arrest and fines.”
“This kind of celebration is not adequate and could hurt some innocent people in result.”
“Some people are afraid of [sectarian tensions], especially in the districts and sub districts in which the Peshmarga and PMU (Popular Mobilization Unites) have close bases.
15:10 – Kosto Asos, Eril. Masters student, International relations
"We are Kurdish people, God made us Kurdish... Today we decided, and voted to separate from Iraq. Of course we are really happy today, it is a historical day."
“I hope the international community will listen to us, will respect our vote; our country will be for peace and freedom”
14:30 – Ari Mamshae, Staffer of President President Masoud Barzani, told Egypt Today.
“People are jubilant. They go to vote with their families, dressed in the traditional Kurdish clothes.”
“Turnout is higher than expected and people look confident for the days ahead. This has become a struggle of will with the oppositions of independence.”
“They are convinced that this is the right time for an independent Kurdistan and that such decision has to be made only by ourselves.”
“We believe this is a natural democratic right of ours and anyone who believes in democracy and human rights should therefore respect the outcome and will of our people. Otherwise all their actions contradict their principles.”
14:06 – In a phone call, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin stressed on the territorial integrity of both Iraq and Syria, Reuters reported Turkish presidential sources.
14:04 – The Iraqi Parliament called for deploying troops in all areas come under the Iraqi Kurds since U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
13:38 – Iraqi Parliament is voting to dismiss civil servants and officials who have taken part in Monday’s referendum in Kurdistan.
“Barzani sold northern Iraq to Israel,” Turkish newspaper Yenisafak described the Kurds’ independence referendum taking place on Monday
Military intervention will take place by Ankara if the Iraqi Turkmens are targeted, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said.
Update from the ground:
13:00 – Sherwan (32), Erbil, a Political analyst and public relations advisor and an observer in Erbil polling station told Egypt Today.
“People stayed in front of the polling station the whole night, there was a competition between the people about who was going to vote first. A historic day; it was a very busy morning.”
An image of Kurds voting at polling station in northern Iraq - Photo courtesy of Sherwan
“Some people, especially in the urban areas … may not be able to vote on time, there are huge queues … the voting time may be extended.”
“The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have provided security in every corner, and ensured the people that there would not be any problems.”
“[The security] was brilliant, it was excellent.”
12:33 – Turkey currently allows a one-way crossing from Turkey to Iraqi, said Erdogan, escalating stance as Iraqi Kurds vote in independence referendum.
12:20 – “Turkey will close its border with Kurdistan and stop oil deals,” Erdogan said in a press conference.
12:21 – “Israel should stop supporting Kurdistan’s referendum,” Erdogan.
12:22 – “Turkey will not accept establishment of a terrorist state along its border,” Erdogan.
12:17 – Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan gives remarks on Iraqi Kurdish referendum, says: "separatist steps unacceptable at this time."
11:58 – Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki calls on Iraqi government for a comprehensive boycott with the Kurdistan referendum’s supporters.
11:55 – Iraqi Parliamentarian Mowaffak al-Rubaie suggests “sorting” Kurdish parliamentarians, Al-Sumaria TV.
11:20 – Two Turkish airlines cancel their flights to Kurdistan, AlSumaria TV website reported.
11:10 – Iran closes its land borders with Kurdistan, AFP reported.
10:36 – “We will seek a dialogue with Baghdad’s government, away from threats that are reminiscent of Saddam Hussein’s,” Nechirvan Barzani.
10:34 – Kurdistan Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani holds a press conference.
10:15 – “Border gates, airports and gas pipelines will be controlled by Iraqi authorities,” Yıldırım.
10:12 – “Kurdistan’s referendum leads to permanent chaos,” Binali Yıldırım.
10:10 – “Turkey discusses imposition of economic, political and military sanctions in retaliation for Kurdistan’s referendum,” Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yıldırım announced in a press conference.
9:45 – “Kurdistan’s referendum lacks all legal and legitimate pillars… It’s outcomes are null and void,” Turkish foreign ministry statement read.
9:16 – Turkish Customs Minister Bulent Tufenkci cited denying blocking Habur border gate with northern Iraq, says remains open.
People queue outside a polling station to cast their vote during Kurds independence referendum in Kirkuk, Iraq September 25, 2017. REUTERS
8:15 – NTV Broadcaster said Turkey blocked access into the country from northern Iraq at Habur border gate.
7:00 – Polling stations opened doors in northern Iraq. According to the referendum commission, the vote is open to all registered residents, Kurds and non-Kurds.
A woman shows her ink-stained finger during Kurds independence referendum in Kirkuk, Iraq September 25, 2017. REUTERS
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