No major violence in Iraq election

[unhappycamper]

No major violence in Iraq election
By Hamza Hendawi - The Associated Press
Posted : Saturday Jan 31, 2009 12:22:34 EST

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.

Voting ended 11 hours later with no reports of major violence, though voters at some polling stations complained that their names did not appear on lists. Balloting was extended for one hour to accommodate voters.

Officials said counting would begin Sunday, with preliminary results not expected until Tuesday.

Although the voting was generally peaceful, a shooting occurred in Baghdad’s Sadr City district. Shiite lawmaker Ghufran al-Saidi said a military officer opened fire and injured two people after voters chanted slogans at a polling station.


Rest of article at: http://armytimes.com/news/2009/01/ap_iraqelection_013109/%2e