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12/15/05

The Standard - Massive turnout for historic Iraq election

The Standard

Massive turnout for historic Iraq election

Iraqis turned out in force for a landmark poll to choose a government many hope will heal a nation wracked by violence and sectarian feuding since the fall of president Saddam Hussein. Electoral officials extended voting by an hour owing to the massive turnout, which preliminary estimates put at between 60 and 80 percent, higher than in an October referendum, with the highest rate in the Sunni province of Salaheddin. "Turnout was very strong in all regions, even in Fallujah," a Sunni city in the rebel Al-Anbar province, electoral official Hussein Hindawi said. Strict security was enforced as 15.5 million Iraqis were called to vote for a four-year, 275-member parliament, with top candidates pledging to restore stability and pave the way for an exit of foreign troops. EU-Digest: It seems strange that massive turnout is announced immediately, but that results of the elction will take more than a week."

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