Middle East
Sulaimaniyah Sceptical of Campaign Promises
Parties campaigning in Iraqi Kurdistan are failing to win over cynical voters.
Mahdi Army Fights for Democracy
Shia rebels have put away their pistols to get involved in politics.
Weapons Ban for Militias
A controversial ruling by the interior ministry means militias must give up their guns until after the elections.
Insurgents Defy Crackdown
Another deadly day across Iraq as insurgents step up efforts to disrupt the election.
Sistani Openly Backs Shia Bloc
Iraq’s most revered religious leader now officially supports the list made up of the country’s two top Shia parties.
Zarqawi targets Baghdad and Kirkuk
IWPR sources say the al-Qaeda-linked militant is preparing to disrupt elections, and Saddam loyalists are also on the move.
Iraqis Brace for Election Day
While some celebrated on the last day of campaigning, others hunkered down fearing violence in the days ahead.
Kurdish Pilgrims Miss Ballot
PUK says Iraqi government should have taken Hajj into consideration when it set the election date.
Next Door to a Polling Station
In the Kurdish area, people are not as scared as those in the rest of Iraq when they find out they have a polling station as a neighbour.