Iraqi Kurdish elections could fuel divisions further

Significance The poll, due on October 20, takes place amid widespread Kurdish disaffection and scepticism regarding the poll's relevance. It will not resolve any of the outstanding disputes between the KRI and Baghdad, even as illicit financial and political arrangements help reduce prospects of outright conflict between the two, and within the KRI itself. Impacts Kirkuk and other disputed areas could become flashpoints of major tension in the Iraqi national census planned for November. There is little chance of a breakthrough and limited expectations of success for the 'New Generation' movement led by Ali Hama Saleh. The representation of the Islamist parties will be small.