Obama congratulates Iraqis on vote

An election worker checks an Iraqi man's identification card before he votes in Tikrit, Iraq (AP)
12 April 2012

US president Barack Obama has praised Iraqis who turned out to vote in national elections despite "acts of violence" to discourage participation.

Insurgent attacks on polling stations killed at least 36 people, even with extraordinary security measures in place including closure of the country's borders and the Baghdad international airport.

The vote was Iraq's second national election since the US-led invasion in 2003. A big turnout and limited violence were seen as key to the planned withdrawal of American combat forces by August 31.

US officials have said they remain on track to complete that drawdown and the subsequent pull out of the remaining 50,000 American troops at the end of next year. There are now just under 100,000 American forces in the country, the smallest number since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein.

"I have great respect for the millions of Iraqis who refused to be deterred by acts of violence, and who exercised their right to vote today," Mr Obama said. "Their participation demonstrates that the Iraqi people have chosen to shape their future through the political process."

American officials have said they expect it will take months for the new parliament - once the vote outcome is known - to select the next prime minister who will then choose the new government. The White House has acknowledged the possibility of continuing violence during that period.

Defence secretary Robert Gates said he saw surprisingly little violence associated with the elections and that security improvements have forced al Qaida-linked militants to change tactics. Mr Gates told reporters travelling with him that he received a briefing from the top US general in Iraq, Ray Odierno.

"All in all, a good day for the Iraqis and for all of us," Mr Gates said.

Meanwhile, the head of Iraq's election commission, Faraj al-Haidari, said the preliminary results will be announced within two or three days, most likely on Thursday.

Around the country Iraqis recovered from the election, removing campaign posters and burying those who died in the violence the day before.

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