When additional time was given for the application of 78 thousand additional Kurd voters in Kirkuk, the United Arab Front withdrew from the elections. Two PKK parties are joining the elections. The Chairman of the United Arab Front Vasfi Al Vasi said that the reason of their boycott was the one-week additional time given to receive the applications of 78 thousand Kurd voters.

Financial Times said that the right to vote given to Kurds returning to Kirkuk might change the election results in this city, after Talabani and Barzani threatened to  boycott the elections. The new arrangement willl enable more than 100 thousand Kurds to vote and this will change balances in the regional assembly in favor of Kurds.