RONÎDA HACÎ

Hasakah- Since the High Election Commission of North and East Syria announced that the municipal elections would be held on June 11, 2024, the candidates have sped up their campaigns. Kongra Star and Zenubya Women’s Community announced their election declaration, stating that they are ready for the elections.

 ‘Armenian women will protect their people from genocidal attacks’

Stivana Kebtiryan, an Armenian woman living in northeastern Syria, stressed that the elections were very important for women. “Women are the cornerstone of their society; no success is achieved without them,” she stressed, adding, “As Armenian women, we casted our votes in the primary elections and we have our candidate. Armenian women exist and protect their identity in the system based on democracy in North and East Syria. The elections are an important gain of the Women’s Revolution. Armenian women will protect their people from genocidal attacks and preserve their language, history and culture by casting their votes in the upcoming elections. I call on all Armenians to cast their votes on June 11.”

 ‘Arab women have participated in all facets of life’

Rehef El Elî, member of Kongra Star in Jazira Canton, recalled that the participation of women in elections would guarantee success and the building of a free and democratic society. “For the first time, women elected their own candidates. This is an important step for women. Since the revolution in Rojava, Arab women have participated in all facets of life. The primary elections serve as a model for the whole world. The co-presidency system proves that our system is based on democracy and equality.”

Îbtîsam El Hisên, member of Kongra Star in the city of Qamishlo, spoke about the Social Contract approved by the General Council of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria on December 12, 2023. “For the first time in the world, women casted their votes in the primary elections to determine their mayoral candidates in accordance with the Social Contract. They casted their votes because they believe that they can make a positive change in society with their will, determination and identity.”

‘The existence of women candidates is a response to the invaders'

Pointing out that the primary elections are one of the important gains of the Women’s Revolution (The Revolution in Rojava), Îbtsam El Hisên said, “Women's participation in municipal elections means that municipalities will be democratic and equal municipalities. However, women playing a leading role in their society are always targeted by invaders. The existence of women candidates is a response to the invaders. As the people of North and East Syria, we should unite and resist against the invaders.”