Power to the purple as Iraq goes polls

Turnout was light and problems at the polls were many, but Iraqis voted on Saturday for the first time since the country declared victory over ISIS.

Those who did cast votes, like this woman in Ramadi, left polls with purple-ink-stained fingers — indelible proof of their participation in the nation’s fourth vote since Saddam Hussein was toppled in 2003.

The results were expected by Monday, but it may be months before a new government is formed and a new prime minister chosen.

Dozens of political parties fielded nearly 7,000 candidates for 329 seats in parliament during the campaign.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s toughest competition came from politicians with closer ties to Iran.

Among them was Hadi alAmeri, who as head of one Iraq’s most powerful Shiite militias gained popularity for his role fighting ISIS. Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was another major challenger.

Iraq declared victory over ISIS in November. At its height, the terror group controlled a huge swath of the country.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement congratulating Iraq on the vote and urging the quick formation of a government. The outcome will help decide whether US forces maintain a presence in Iraq.

Voter apathy reflected continued economic struggles, stemming in part from a drop in global oil prices. Iraqis are also disenchanted by entrenched political corruption and gridlock.