Iraqis vote in general election, a test for democratic system
At least 167 parties and more than 3,200 candidates are competing for Iraq's 329 seats in parliament, according to the country's election commission. Iraqi elections are often followed by months of protracted negotiations over a president, a prime minister and a cabinet.
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Iraqis voted on Sunday in a general election many said they would boycott, having lost faith in the democratic system brought in by the U.S. invasion of 2003.
The election is being held several months early under a new law designed to help independent candidates - a response to mass anti-government protests two years ago. But the established, armed, and Shi'ite Islamist-dominated ruling elite is expected to sweep the vote. At least 167 parties and more than 3,200 candidates are competing for Iraq's 329 seats in parliament, according to the country's election commission.
Iraqi elections are often followed by months of protracted negotiations over a president, a prime minister, and a cabinet. Polls opened at 7 a.m. (0400 GMT) and will close at 6 p.m. (1500 GMT). Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi headed to cast his ballot as soon as the voting started, state TV reported.
(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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