On April 20, 2013, Iraqi authorities will press on with plans to hold Iraq's first national vote since U.S. troops left in 2011. More than 8,000 candidates are competing for about 400 seats in the councils.
Iraqi Elections

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An Iraqi walks past a provincial elections campaign poster in Baghdad, April 18, 2013. Iraq will hold its provincial elections on Saturday. The poster reads, "take care of Iraq."

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A policeman speaks on his walkie talkie at a polling centre in Baghdad April 19, 2013. The Iraqi government has tightened its security measures as the country prepares to provincial elections.

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An employee of Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) stands beside stacks of polling station kits during preparations for the provincial elections, in Baghdad April 19, 2013.

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Policemen stand guard at a polling centre in Baghdad April 19, 2013.