The Latest: US State Department lauds Iraq on elections

BAGHDAD (AP) — The Latest on Saturday’s national elections in Iraq (all times local):

10:15 p.m.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has congratulated Iraq for holding its first parliamentary elections since the country declared victory last year over the Islamic State group.

Pompeo reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the Strategic Framework Agreement that underpins U.S.-Iraq relations. In a statement, Pompeo called on Iraq’s new parliament to form an inclusive government to work for all Iraqis.

Saturday’s polls were marked by low turnout. Results are expected within the next 48 hours according to the independent body that oversees Iraq’s election, but negotiations to choose a prime minister tasked with forming a government are expected to drag on for months.

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7:45 p.m.

Polls have closed across Iraq in the first national election since the country declared victory over the Islamic State group. Saturday’s vote — the fourth since the 2003 U.S.-led toppling of Saddam Hussein — was marked by reports of low turnout and irregularities.

Results are expected within 48 hours, according to the independent body that oversees Iraq’s election, but negotiations to choose a prime minister tasked with forming a government are expected to drag on for months.

Voting began early Saturday morning in a contest that had no clear front-runner after weeks of official campaigning. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s stiffest competition came from political parties with closer ties to Iran.

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7:00 a.m.

Polls have opened across Iraq in the first national election since the declaration of victory over the Islamic State group.

No clear front-runner has emerged after weeks of official campaigning as Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi faces stiff competition Saturday from political parties with closer ties to Iran.

The vote — the fourth since the 2003 U.S.-led overthrow of Saddam Hussein — will be conducted electronically for the first time to reduce fraud. Polling centers have been set up for many of the country’s 2 million people who remain displaced by the war against IS.

Al-Abadi took office just weeks after IS fighters overran nearly a third of Iraq’s territory in the summer of 2014 and has since overseen the grueling military defeat of the group.