Tight security for Iraqi elections

Iraqi voters are casting ballots in regional elections amid tight security.

This marks the country's first vote since the US military withdrawal and a key test of its stability.

Government officials, including Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, cast their ballots at the Rasheed Hotel in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone.

Voting is taking place at more than 5,300 polling centres for members of provincial councils who will serve in 12 of Iraq's 18 governorates.

Thousands of candidates from 50 electoral blocs are running for 378 positions.

As in past elections, officials have increased security precautions to thwart attempts by insurgents to disrupt the vote.

There were no reports of violence in the hours after voting got under way this morning.

Security cordons have been set up around polling places and only authorised vehicles are being allowed on the streets in major cities.

Voters dipped an index finger in ink after casting ballots to ensure each person voted only once.

The results of the elections will not directly affect the shape of Iraq's national government.

But the vote will be an important barometer of support for Iraq's various political groups heading into 2014 parliamentary elections.

The vote will also test the Iraqi army and police, who face a reviving al-Qaeda insurgency.

They are for the first time since the 2003 US-led invasion, securing an election on their own.

Militants have stepped up attacks in recent days.

Iraqis last elected members of provincial councils in January 2009.

Results are not expected for several days.

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