Thousands of Iraqi soldiers, police officers, hospital patients and prisoners have cast their ballots as provincial elections begin. About 617,000 Iraqis went to polls on Wednesday, three days before the main polling day. Government officials say early voting aims at avoiding problems that the country faced in the last national elections held in 2005 as well as ensuring that security forces would be on duty to protect polling stations on Saturday.
"I'm happy to confirm there has not been any violations or irregularities whatsoever and the turnout was huge", chairman of the Independent High Electoral Commission Faraj al-Haydari told reporters after the polls closed.
Over 14,000 candidates are competing for 440 seats on provincial councils in 14 of Iraq's 18 provinces. The election will be delayed in Kirkuk and the three Kurdistan provinces. The local councils, which function much like state legislatures, have significant regional powers and are responsible for selecting governors and provincial police chiefs.
Iraq is tightening security ahead of Saturday voting. Airports and borders will be closed on the eve of the poll as transport bans and night-time curfews will be imposed.