BAGHDAD - Iraqis are voting Saturday in elections that are seen as a crucial test of the country’s stability.

In the first provincial elections since 2005, Iraqis will pick representatives for 14 of the country’s 18 local councils. More than 14,000 candidates are vying for 440 seats.

Several mortars exploded near a polling station in the city of Tikrit, north of Baghdad. There were no reported injuries, but the incident underscores the authorities’ concerns about violence.

Iraqi officials tightened security for the elections, closing the country’s airports and borders and restricting traffic in cities.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki says he is pleased with the high number of voters going to the polls, saying it shows the people have confidence in the government.

The vote is expected to draw a large number of Sunni Arabs who boycotted the last provincial elections. The larger Sunni turnout could shift the balance of power in some provinces.

The White House says U.S. President Barack Obama is following the voting and believes it marks another significant achievement in Iraq’s democratic development.

The European Union announced $122 million in aid to Iraq, including $26 million through the United Nations to assist Iraqi election officials. The EU says it has also deployed two electoral experts to Iraq to help support the provincial poll.

Source:  VOA News