On May 4, 2023, the Aran Organization, with support from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), published its highly anticipated survey report titled “Political Interference in Civil Service Affairs in the Kurdistan Region.” The event took place at the Titanic Hotel in Slemani, from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, and attracted significant attention from officials, activists, journalists, and public servants.

Key Attendees

The event brought together 53 participants, including prominent figures such as:

  • Members of the Slemani Provincial Council.
  • Officials from local administrations of Slemani and Halabja.
  • Activists and public servants who have been directly impacted by political interference.

Report Findings

The report, prepared by a dedicated nine-person team from the Aran Organization, provides a comprehensive analysis of the interference of political parties—particularly the two dominant parties—in public service operations and employment practices. The research spanned twelve months (May 1, 2022 – April 30, 2023) and sheds light on how such interference undermines governance, equity, and public trust.

Key themes covered in the report include:

  1. The extent and nature of political interference in public servant recruitment and appointments.
  2. The impact of such practices on governance and service delivery.
  3. Recommendations for mitigating political intervention in public administration.

Event Highlights

The event included:

  • Opening Remarks: Delivered by senior members of the Aran Organization, emphasizing the importance of the report in advocating for better governance and transparency.
  • Presentation of Findings: A detailed presentation of the report’s methodology, data, and conclusions.
  • Panel Discussion: Officials and activists shared insights on the implications of political interference and pathways for reform.

Media Coverage

The event and its findings received widespread coverage from local and national media outlets in both the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, highlighting the significance of the report in addressing a pressing issue.

Conclusion

The publication of this report marks a critical step in the Aran Organization’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency, good governance, and accountability within the Kurdistan Region. It serves as a call to action for policymakers and civil society to work together to eliminate political interference in public administration.