Today, Iraqis voted in a provincial election. This is the first election since the departure of United States troops in late 2011. It is also the first time since 2003 that Iraqi forces took charge of security in an election. Prior to the election, there has been violence within the country and the Shia led government has postponed the election in two Sunni dominated provinces. Within the past week, dozens of citizens were killed in bombings that targeted the Shia dominated provinces. Two of the polling stations have been attacked, and fourteen people who were running in the election a majority being Sunnis were murdered.
Almost 14 million Iraqis were eligible to vote in the election and were able to vote for over 8,000 candidates to fill 378 seats in the provincial council. These numbers were similar to the election back in 2009.
Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki urged people to vote in the election. He stated, "I say to all those who are afraid for t future of Iraq and afraid of a return of violence and dictatorship that we will fight by casting ballots." Many voters were concerned of their security. A student, Abdulsahib Ali Abdulsahib mentioned that "security is the most important problem that all of them should be working for, without this, life would be so difficult." To ensure security, voters were searched twice before allowed to enter the polling stations and there were numerous security forces patrolling around the capital.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-22229323
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