The United States has voiced its opposition to the PKK/YPG’s plans to hold local elections in areas under its control in northern and eastern Syria. The US State Department made clear its stance, emphasising that the necessary conditions for free and fair elections are not met in the region.
In a statement, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller noted, “The United States does not believe that the conditions necessary for free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections are in place in Syria, including the northern and eastern regions.” This comment is directed at the PKK/YPG, which controls substantial parts of northern Syria and has been attempting to organise local elections.
Miller added that the US does not support the elections being planned in these occupied regions, reiterating its opposition to the PKK/YPG’s actions in Syria. He also reaffirmed the US’s commitment to the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for free and fair elections across Syria. “We have consistently called for all elections in Syria to be free, fair, transparent, and inclusive. Currently, the necessary conditions for such elections do not exist in northern and eastern Syria,” Miller explained.
The PKK/YPG, a group considered a terrorist organisation by Turkey, had initially planned to hold local elections in the regions it controls in Syria in June. However, the announcement of these elections drew significant criticism, particularly from Turkey. In a statement on 30 May, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made Turkey’s position clear, saying, “Turkey will never allow the establishment of a ‘terror state’ by the separatist organisation just across its southern borders in northern Syria and Iraq.”
Following these remarks and increasing international pressure, the PKK/YPG decided to postpone the elections initially to August and later to September. This delay is seen by many as an attempt to avoid further tension and diplomatic conflicts with Turkey and other international actors.
In addition to Miller’s recent comments, Vedant Patel, Deputy Spokesperson for the US State Department, had previously commented on the situation. In May, Patel stated, “Any elections held in Syria must be free, fair, transparent, and inclusive, as stipulated by UN Security Council Resolution 2254. We do not believe the conditions for such elections exist in the northeast of Syria, under the control of the YPG/PKK, and we have communicated this view to the actors on the ground.”
The US’s stance reflects a broader concern that any elections organised by the PKK/YPG would lack legitimacy and undermine the peace process in Syria. It also highlights the delicate balance the US must maintain, as it continues to support certain Kurdish groups in their fight against ISIS, while simultaneously opposing their political activities that contradict international law.
The ongoing dispute over the PKK/YPG’s election plans adds another layer of complexity to the situation in northern Syria. Turkey remains steadfast in its opposition to the group’s political and military presence in the region. The United States, while supporting some Kurdish groups for their role in combating ISIS, is caught between conflicting interests in the region.
The future of these so-called elections remains uncertain, especially given the increasing international scrutiny and the strong opposition from key regional players like Turkey. As the US continues to reaffirm its commitment to a legitimate political process in Syria, the PKK/YPG’s efforts to establish political control over parts of the country may face even more setbacks.
