Shiite cleric calls for participation in elections

NAJAF / IraqiNews.com: Shiite cleric Sheikh Basheer al-Najafi on Wednesday called on all Iraqis to participate in the upcoming provincial election, stressing that votes should go to candidates who can handle the job better than others, according to a release issued by al-Najafi’s office. “We advise the Iraqi people to participate in election,” said the release that was received by IraqiNews.com news agency. “Iraq today is experiencing a critical stage, and is in need of those who help its people,” it added. Al-Najafi stressed that he is not inviting Iraqis to vote for any specific side or person. MH (P)/SR 1