Voting under way in Iraq amid tight security

[Turborama]

Source: AP

By HAMZA HENDAWI, Associated Press Writer – 35 mins ago

BAGHDAD – Iraqis passed through security checkpoints and razor-wire cordons to vote Saturday in provincial elections that are considered a crucial test of the nation's stability as U.S. officials consider the pace of troop withdrawals.

Polls opened shortly after dawn after a step-by-step security clampdown across the country, including traffic bans in central Baghdad and other major cities and closure of border crossings and airports.

There were no reports of serious violence as voting got under way. In Tikrit, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Baghdad, three mortar shells exploded near a polling station, but caused no casualties, said police, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media.

A bomb found near a Tikrit voting center was defused, police added.

In the Baghdad neighborhood of Karradah, Iraqi police and army soldiers manned a series of checkpoints — some only 200 yards (meters) apart. Stores were closed and the streets cleared of cars.

=snip=

The provincial councils have no direct sway in national affairs, but carry significant authority through their ability to negotiate local business deals, allocate funds and control some regional security operations.

This election is also a possible dress rehearsal for bigger showdowns in national elections later this year, when the U.S.-allied government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki could face a power challenge from the country's largest Shiite party, the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090131/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

[dcindian]

1. We can only sit by and hope for the best.

For a people we nearly destroyed and have ruined for decades to come.

[ohio2007]

2. Al-Sadr's followers eye comeback in Jan. 31 vote

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x3696222


how many seats will he lose? He claims he "lost interest" in the political process. guess he found religion