Reuters

Last updated: 4:23 am
February 1, 2009
Posted: 4:19 am
February 1, 2009

BAGHDAD – Iraqis held their most peaceful election since the fall of Saddam Hussein yesterday, voting for provincial councils without a single major attack.

President Obama hailed the vote as an important step toward Iraqis taking responsibility for their future.

“I congratulate the people of Iraq on holding significant provincial elections today,” he said.

“The purple fingers have returned to build Iraq,” Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said after the polls closed, referring to the indelible ink stains that voters receive on their fingers after casting ballots.

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