RONAHÎ NÛDA

Qamishlo- The High Election Commission of North and East Syria announced on March 28, 2024 that the municipal elections will be held on May 30, 2024. Kongra Star and the Democratic Union Party (PYD) formed an alliance on April 17 to contest in the elections. After the announcements, primary elections were held in cities and districts and women determined their own candidates in the elections. 

‘Women’s struggle spreads out in waves’

In an interview with NuJINHA, Kongra Star Spokesperson Rihan Logo said that Kongra Star started its election campaign following the announcement of the High Election Commission of North and East Syria. “Since the women’s revolution, women have made great efforts to protect the gains of the revolution in daily life. Women spread this struggle out in waves in the Middle East and all around the world by taking part in all facets of life such as military, politics, social and cultural life. Women are determined to keep struggling.”

‘We had meetings with political parties’

On April 17, Kongra Star and the PYD announced that they formed an alliance for the municipal elections. “As Kongra Star and PYD, we had meetings with many political parties. Some parties told us that they also wanted to join our alliance.”

‘Women have chosen their own candidates for the first time’

Emphasizing that women candidates were chosen by women, Riha Logo said:

“We can say that this is a historical step for Kongra Star. Why? Because female candidates were chosen by women in North and East Syria and this is first in the Middle East and all around the world. Women chose female candidates by voting in the primary elections held in cities and districts. Women want their cities and districts to be run by mayors respecting women’s rights and nature. That is why they chose women candidates in an organized and conscious way.”

‘We will have democratic municipalities’

Speaking about the co-presidency system implemented in northeastern Syria, Rihan Logo said, “We will have democratic, ecological and fair municipalities thanks to this system. The co-presidency system will pave the way for providing services to cities, villages and women. The primary elections were held in every city from Derik to Shahba. Hundreds casted their votes to choose their candidates.”

‘It is a historic step for all organizations’

The primary elections serve as a model for the whole society, Rihan Loqo emphasized. “Now, all organizations determine their candidates by holding primary elections. Kongra Star started this system. Now, people determine their own candidates. This is how real democracy works. It is a historical step for all organizations. Women have chosen their candidates for the first time in the region.”

Call on people, especially women, to cast their votes

Rihan Logo called on all people, especially women, to cast their votes in the municipal elections to be held on May 30. Our call to all libertarian, intellectual, socialist women, mothers and young people to reveal their will by casting their votes in the elections. We should cast our votes to determine our co-mayors and council members so that we will build a free, democratic, equal, fair and ecological society.”