Saturday, May 12, 2018

Polls Have Closed In Iraq. Results Will Be Known In 48 Hours



Daily Mail: Polls close in Iraq's first election since the defeat of ISIS with reports of low turnout and complaints of problems with electronic voting system

* Since the defeat of terror group, Iraq has seen a lull in insurgent attacks but armed guards and curfew in place
* Some 7000 candidates standing, vote will be conducted electronically for first time in bid to reduce fraud
* Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faces stiff competition from political parties with closer ties to Iran
* Iraq continues to struggle with an economic downturn sparked in part by a drop in global oil prices

Polls have closed across Iraq Saturday evening in the first national election since the country declared victory over the Islamic State group.

The vote - the fourth since the 2003 U.S.-led toppling of Saddam Hussein - was marked by reports of low turnout and irregularities.

Results are expected within the next 48 hours according to the independent body that oversees Iraq's election, but negotiations to choose a prime minister tasked with forming a government are expected to drag on for months.

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WNU Editor: The turn-out was around 45%. There is little if any enthusiasm among the Iraqis for this vote.

More News On The Polls Closing In Iraq

Record low turnout in first Iraq elections since IS defeat -- AP
Record abstention in Iraq's first vote after defeating IS -- AFP
Iraqis vote as Abadi seeks to fend off Iran-backed rivals -- Reuters
Weary Iraqis seek stability in first poll since Isis pushed out – as PM looks to limit Iran influence -- The Independent
Low Turnout Reported in Iraqi Election as US and Iran Vie for Influence -- Wall Street Journal
Low turnout as Iraqis vote for first time since ISIL defeat -- Al Jazeera

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