Ballot boxes taken to counting, sorting center in Karbala

KARBALA / IraqiNews.com: Ballot boxes have been brought to the counting and sorting center in Karbala, the head of the Independent High Electoral Commission’s (IHEC) office in the province said on Wednesday. “All ballot boxed have been transferred under tight security and in the presence of several observers,” Hussein al-Aameri, told IraqiNews.com news agency. Aameri did not reveal the exact number of voters who participated in the special voting process earlier today, but said “the turnout was high and everyone exercised their freedom to vote. The commission has not received any complaints thus far.” Today, 24,000 security personnel, hospital inmates, prisoners and detainees cast their votes in 16 polling stations in Karbala province. The holy Shiite city of Karbala lies 110 southwest of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. SS (P)/SR 1