Voting begins in Iraq’s general elections

BAGHDAD, Oct. 10 (YPA) – Voting in the Iraqi parliamentary elections began Sunday morning, amid very tight security measures near polling stations and widespread international monitoring.

Polling stations opened at 7:00 a.m. Baghdad time in the country’s first early parliamentary elections since 2003.

The polls are supposed to close at 6 p.m., electronically.

Elections are being held to select 329 deputies, according to a new electoral law that increases the number of constituencies and provides for a single vote, which is supposed to give impetus to local independents and candidates.

Since Last Saturday, security forces have entered a state of alert in preparation for these elections, amid major government preparations, broad international support for the first electoral process, which takes place after the large-scale protests in the country two years ago, and made several demands, including early elections.

E.M