Initial turnout in Iraq’s parliamentary election on Sunday was 41%, the electoral commission said.

Total turnout was 44.5% in the last election in 2018. The electoral commission said early on Monday the lowest turnout was in Baghdad, with between 31% and 34%.

Two electoral commission officials told Reuters on Sunday that nationwide turnout of eligible voters was 19% by midday and participation was low at polling stations in several parts of the country visited by Reuters.

Commission official Muhammad Mustafa said turnout picked up in the final hours of voting.

Initial results are expected on Monday.

Iraqi elections are often followed by protracted talks over a president, a prime minister and a cabinet under the system brought in following the 2003 US-led invasion.

Source: Agencies