Corruption is set to be the central issue when Iraq's Kurds vote in elections today, as residents grow increasingly uncomfortable with the alleged nepotism and closed business dealings that have helped keep Kurdistan's two leading families in power.
This discomfort, combined with the newfound popularity of a candidate campaigning against corruption and for change, could hold the Kurdish regional government to greater account, even though Masoud Barzani, regional president and leader of the Kurdish Democratic party, is certain to be returned to office.
"I am fed up with the ruling parties as they are turning Kurdistan into a two- family region - Barzanistan and Talabanistan," said Hemin Lihony, a journalist from the city of Sulimaniyeh, referring to Mr Barzani and Jalal Talabani, old rivals who for years have dominated Kurdish politics. "I will not vote for them because President Barzani is a problem-maker, not a problem-solver."
Mr Barzani is the son of the leader of the Kurdish liberation movement, Mustafa Barzani, and president of the region since 2005, while the other ruling family is headed by Mr Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan and Iraq's federal president.
None of the four other candidates for regional president is considered to be a serious challenger to Mr Barzani, while the KDP and PUK are running in coalition in the parliamentary election.
Kurdistan has operated almost separately from the rest of Iraq since gaining some autonomy after the 1991 Gulf war. The region has not seen the levels of violence experienced across the country following the 2003 war and its economy has fared relatively well. But corruption is said by analysts to be endemic, while journalists and critics of the government face -persecution.
Relations with Baghdad have become strained because of disputes over oil-rich areas such as Kirkuk. The Kurdish government insists the area is Kurdish, while the central government says it is Iraqi.
Although Mr Barzani is certain to be re-elected, analysts point to the emergence of a significant opposition, which could take one-third of the 100 elected seats. The key opposition bloc is the Change List, led by Nawshirwan Mustafa, a PUK dissident, who favours rapprochement with Baghdad.
"This is the first time that we are seeing real opposition to the ruling parties," said Joost Hiltermannof the International Crisis Group. "The opposition party could hold them accountable for the things they do and don't do - such as not disclosing the budget or oil contracts - and make them more accountable for corruption."
The government's positions on Kirkuk and oil could be tempered if opposition politicians do well, analysts say. "Although they will not radically shift the balance, they will at least shake up the main parties," said Rochdi Younsi of Eurasia Group, a US think-tank.
