Iraqi election recount begins and criticism quickly follows

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

I thought y'all enjoy seeing what the ballot looked like.

Iraqi election recount begins and criticism quickly follows

A key supporter of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, whose party wanted a recount, demands that the number of ballots be compared with the number of voter registration signatures.


Electoral workers examine a ballot during a recount in Baghdad of votes cast in Iraq's March 7 national elections. (Maya Alleruzzo, Associated Press / May 4, 2010)

Iraqi election officials on Monday launched a recount of votes cast in Baghdad during March elections but almost immediately drew fire from a key supporter of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki, whose party initially requested the second tally. The dispute further dimmed prospects for the quick formation of a new government.

Iraq's independent election commission said it would take "two weeks or even three" to finish the recount.
...
Maliki's latest move follows a secretive commission's decision to challenge pro-Allawi candidates for being alleged members of the outlawed Baath Party. It further raises fears that an election praised by international observers for its credibility and transparency could be undermined, stripping away faith in the political process and reigniting a sectarian civil war that has dramatically cooled.

... more at the link
http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/topstories/la-fg-iraq-recount-20100504,0,1112967.story

[diva77]

1. The IFES has its hand in the Iraq elections

http://www.ifes.org/countries/Iraq.aspx

[Wilms]

2. My favorite is the International Republican Institute (IRI).

http://www.iri.org/countries-and-programs/middle-east-and-north-africa/iraq

And look at the BoD:

http://www.iri.org/learn-more-about-iri/board-directors-and-officers