Iraqi election underway in satisfactory security
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Baghdad, Jan 31, IRNA -- Nationwide election is underway in Iraq in a satisfactory security environment.
The provincial elections are viewed as a key indicator of whether the nation can build upon fragile security gains and address imbalances in power that still plague many areas.
More than 14,000 candidates are running for 440 seats to lead councils that are the equivalent of state legislatures in the United States.
The elections are unfolding in all of Iraq's provinces except three in the autonomous Kurdish region and the province that includes the disputed city of Kirkuk, where ethnic groups were unable to reach a power-sharing agreement paving the way for elections.
In the first few hours of voting Saturday morning, there were no reports of serious violence or fraud marring vote.
A peaceful and fair election would boost the credibility and image of Iraq's government as it takes over more security responsibilities from U.S. forces.
EndNews / IRNA / News Code 330959
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