What should we do to continue aging in a different way?

Bayan Ibrahim: 
After the Parliamentary Elections and the Loss of Party Credibility

Following the parliamentary elections, which were postponed multiple times due to disputes between the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and eventually held on October 20, 2024, there has been a noticeable decline in the credibility of political parties in addressing citizens’ rights and demands, especially those of salary earners. This situation has led to a deep sense of hopelessness toward both the ruling authorities and the opposition. The ongoing struggle for rights between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region has reached a stalemate. However, the Shko and Mangrtuan movement has successfully delivered a powerful and impassioned message, aiming to reverse this pervasive despair.

In a democratic system, elections and parliaments are intended to serve as the stronghold and voice of the people. Unfortunately, in Kurdistan, this stronghold has lost its effectiveness, and the streets, tents, and protests have become the true platforms for public expression.

It is crucial that, following the suppression of the Mangrtuan protests, the movement does not cease but continues in various forms. Sustained pressure is necessary both within and outside Kurdistan. The suppression should not mark the end of the movement but rather its evolution into continuous resistance. Potential actions include:
	1.	Public Gatherings: Form groups in various public places, streets, and markets to carry forward the message of Mangrtuan, ensuring its continuity.
	2.	Street Theater: Establish theatrical groups to perform plays in different locations, depicting the struggle and maintaining momentum.
	3.	Music and Art: Organize groups of singers and musicians to perform songs supporting the ongoing movement in public spaces.
	4.	Seminars and Panels: Host discussions in venues to analyze the suppression of protests and expose the power vacuum within the ruling authorities. Multiple seminars over several days can reinforce this message.
	5.	University Activism: Form student groups within universities to organize diverse activities in support of the protests.
	6.	Women’s Groups: Encourage women to establish groups and carry out public activities to strengthen the movement.
	7.	Market and Shop Closures: Businesses can temporarily shut down in solidarity with the movement, at least once a week for an hour.
	8.	Traffic Disruptions: Drivers can pause their vehicles on the streets for a few minutes as a form of protest.
	9.	Workplace Disruptions: Employees in government offices can temporarily halt their work at regular intervals.
	10.	School Actions: Teachers and students can dedicate a few minutes each week to discuss and support the movement.
	11.	Legal Protests: Lawyers and judges can symbolically stop their work for a few minutes within court buildings as a sign of resistance.

The Mangrtuan protests can be restructured within a written framework of demands, encompassing all rights and grievances related to salaries, ensuring these become the central agenda of all future activities.