Aran Organization, supported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), is implementing the project titled “Unification Efforts to Encourage People to Defend Their Rights and Stability of Democratic Principles.” One of the central goals of this project is to reduce the influence of political parties on the government in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region.

Project Goals and Approaches

The project aims to foster a more balanced political environment where democratic principles can thrive independently of excessive political party influence. To achieve this, Aran Organization has adopted two primary approaches:

1. Intensifying Efforts for Legal Amendments

Aran has worked actively to push for the amendment of laws that regulate political party activities, focusing on two key laws:

• Law No. 17 (specific to political parties in the Kurdistan Region)
• Law No. 36 (governing political parties in Iraq)

These amendments aim to limit the scope of political parties’ influence on government processes and ensure a more democratic and fair political landscape.

2. Community Engagement and Research

In order to gauge public opinion and raise awareness about the issue, Aran conducted several activities to inform and involve citizens in the process:

• Questionnaires:
  Aran implemented three questionnaires in different regions—Kirkuk, Chamchamal, and Koya Sanjaq—during August 2018. These surveys were designed to collect data on public perceptions of political party influence on government and to assess the willingness of people to engage in efforts for democratic reform.

Outcome and Impact

By utilizing these two approaches, Aran Organization aims to build a broader public understanding of the need for political reform and to create momentum for the necessary legal changes. The questionnaires have provided valuable insights that will inform future advocacy efforts and contribute to the overall goal of reducing political parties’ undue influence in governmental affairs.

The ongoing work in this project highlights Aran Organization’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions in Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, ensuring that government actions are guided by the principles of fairness and public interest, rather than political party agendas.