Khaberni - On Tuesday, Iraqis voted to select a new parliament in an election likely to shape the country’s future amidst a crucial regional phase.
The sixth legislative elections since the American invasion that overthrew Saddam Hussein's regime in 2003, occurred amidst relative stability in Iraq.
The polling stations closed at 6 PM (15:00 GMT), after being open for 11 hours to more than 21.4 million registered voters to choose the House of Representatives for a four-year term.
The participation rate reached 23.9% by midday, according to the Independent High Electoral Commission.
The preliminary results are expected to be announced within 24 hours of the centers' closure.
More than 7740 candidates competed, nearly one-third of them women, and most within large political alliances and parties; only 75 independents participated this year, for 329 seats representing more than 46 million people.
