BAGHDAD — Polls have closed across Iraq Saturday evening in the first national election since the country declared victory over the Islamic State group. Nearly all civilian vehicles had been banned from Baghdad’s streets Saturday morning and many voters complained of having to walk more than 4 kilometres (2.5 miles) to reach polling stations. Nouri al-Maliki, al-Abaid’s predecessor and arguably his most powerful opponent, said he was aware of “violations” at some polling stations in Iraq, adding that the process lacked proper oversight. Associated Press journalists documented several similar cases at a number of different polling stations across Baghdad Saturday morning. Some Sunnis voting Saturday said they are hopeful this election will help Iraq move beyond sectarian politics and become more inclusive.

Source: National Post May 12, 2018 04:09 UTC