Mam Jalal and the Elections

During the election campaign, I penned a series of articles on the sixth round of Kurdistan elections, driven by my belief in and commitment to this important and patriotic process. Now that the campaign has concluded, I feel compelled to share my final thoughts on this democratic carnival, aiming to provide a fitting conclusion. As I reflect, my mind is filled with various thoughts, leading me to remember Mam Jalal and the elections.

It is clear that Mam Jalal was a remarkable leader—revolutionary in his beliefs and democratic in his practices—within the progressive Kurdish and broader political movements. He stood as a pioneering figure in the modern history of the Middle East and beyond. I had the privilege of participating in the struggle alongside him and attending many Politburo meetings.

During that time, I never encountered anyone who embodied a commitment to democracy and freedom of expression as deeply as Mam Jalal. In our meetings, he was dedicated to ensuring that everyone had a voice in the decision-making process. He readily embraced the majority opinion while also respecting minority viewpoints, since he believed that true democracy requires the facilitation of an environment where all voices can be heard. 

From President Mam Jalal’s perspective, voting was both a right and a responsibility. In every election, he not only exercised his vote but also emerged as a leading figure in the process. His active participation was evident in both the Kurdistan elections and the Federal Iraq elections, where he engaged with enthusiasm.

Just as he would for festive occasions in the past, Mam Jalal dressed in formal attire, and alongside his lifelong partner—his friend and fellow fighter—he would head to the polls. Together, they fulfilled their patriotic duty as leaders, embodying the spirit of civic engagement.

Mam Jalal’s dedication to the voting process in both Federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region was so profound that he never missed the opportunity to vote. Even in the final days of his life, while hospitalized in Berlin, he cast his vote in a wheelchair on April 24, 2014, for the Federal Iraq elections, inspiring thousands to participate in the democratic process.
Sadly, for the sixth round of the Kurdistan Parliament, Mam Jalal is no longer with us to place his inked finger on the ballot and renew his commitment to the democracy of his homeland. Similarly, his supporter and friend, Mrs. Hero, due to her illness, could not join in the celebration of this important parliamentary election.
However, to honor their legacies and the struggles of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), their loyal sons—President Bafel and Mr. Qubad—have kept the memories of Mam Jalal and Mrs. Hero alive on Election Day. With their inked fingers raised in loyalty and belief, they stand alongside tens of thousands of youth in Kurdistan, especially the close relatives of martyrs. 
It is the moral and patriotic responsibility of every wise and caring Kurd to support and engage in this critical process. By doing so, we honor the spirits of Mam Jalal and the martyrs of Kurdistan, bring joy to their memories and uplift Mrs. Hero’s heart.