Iraq provincial elections kick off

Iraqis are voting on Saturday in the first provincial elections since the withdrawal of US occupation troops of the country.Polling stations opened early at about 7:00 am (0400 GMT), with security measures were taken by security forces, AFP reported.Voters were searched twice before being allowed to enter, and Iraqi security forces had a heavy presence around the polling stations.The elections are the first since parliamentary polls in March 2010 and also the first since US troops withdrew from Iraq in December 2011.An estimated 13.8 million Iraqis are eligible to vote for more than 8,000 candidates, with 378 seats being contested.Six of Iraq's 18 provinces are not participating -- two because authorities say security cannot be ensured, and four because of various political disagreements.Provincial councils are responsible for nominating governors who take charge of the provinces' administration, finances and reconstruction projects, and have sway over key local issues such as sewerage and other services.