Iraq: polls open for parliamentary elections

Parliamentary elections are under way in Iraq with 329 seats to be filled, against a backdrop of tensions in the wider Middle East, The National reported on November 11th.

At least a quarter of the seats are reserved for women, and a further nine for religious minorities. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, who was pictured casting his vote in Baghdad, said that his government had fulfilled its responsibilities to hold “safe, fair, stable elections that give citizens the space to make their choices”.

He is running for his second term in office, against his main contender, ex-Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki. Initial results are yet to be declared.

The National