Polls close in Iraq's national elections

BAGHDAD— 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 US-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.

AP