Post-IS election has record-low turnout
BAGHDAD >> Iraq had a record low turnout on Saturday in its first elections since the collapse of the Islamic State group, pointing to widespread dissatisfaction with the direction of the country under Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi and presaging a long period of deal-making as politicians squabble over posts in a new government.
There were no bombings at any polling stations; a first since the U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003.
Al-Abadi called it a “historic day, spent peacefully by all Iraqis.”
Riyadh al-Badran, a member on Iraq’s national elections commission, said turnout was 44 percent. No election since 2003 had turnout less than 60 percent. More than 10 million Iraqis voted.
With no clear front-runner, it could take months for a new Parliament to form a government and name a prime minister.
The low turnout could open the door to Sunni-led and Kurdish electoral lists to play an outsized role in the negotiations, as well. Iraq’s population is predominantly Shiite.
Results are expected within 48 hours according to the electoral commission.
Despite presiding over Iraq’s war on the Islamic State group, al-Abadi was opposed by other Shiite leaders who eclipsed him in charisma and popularity.
His chief rivals are former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and Hadi alAmiri, who heads the powerful, Iran-backed Badr Organization militia.