Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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February 2, 2009

Iraq's Main Shi'ite Party Denies Election Setback
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=21FFE24:A6F02AD83191E16040746B21D8B9AA77D937473925D9872C&
 
Results from 14 of Iraq's 18 provinces not expected for several days as
vote counting continues 
Iraq's main Shi'ite religious party has denied reports that it suffered
a major setback to rival Shi'ite parties in provincial elections on
Saturday. The Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council said Monday it finished in
first or second place in most Iraqi provinces that took part in the
vote. It also promised to remain a key player in Iraqi politics. Iraqi
election officials examine ballot after polls closed in Karbala on 31
Jan 2009Iraqi media said unofficial election results suggest that many
Iraqis turned away from the Council and other religious parties they
blame for fueling sectarian tensions. The reports said that sentiment
benefited allies of Iraq's Shi'ite Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, who
campaigned on a law-and-order platform rather than religious themes.
Official results from the elections in 14 of Iraq's 18 provinces are not
expected for at least several days as vote counting continues.
Saturday's elections took place without any major violence. Fifty-one
percent of eligible voters are said to have taken part. In another
development, U.S. President Barack Obama said a substantial number of
U.S. troops in Iraq could be home within one year. In an interview on
U.S. television, NBC, late Sunday, Mr. Obama said Iraq's provincial
elections were "very significant" and signaled that Iraqis are ready to
handle more of their own security.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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