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Iraqis go to polls in low numbers; outcome could impact Iran’s influence

By Guy Taylor

Voter turnout was down and security tight, but the overall scene was one of relative peace Sunday as Iraq held its fifth parliamentary election since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein and created an opening for democracy in the nation.

While turnout was reported at over 30% — suggesting apathy among Iraqi voters — the wider region is watching closely for signs of Baghdad’s future political direction at a moment when Iran is seen to be vying increasingly for influence in the oil-rich country.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, generally regarded as a neutral political force, will have his own future decided by the outcome, which will likely become clear over the coming days and is expected to favor the country’s Iran-aligned Shiite Islamist parties.

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