Baku-APA.U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated the Iraqi people Thursday on completing the first national polls since the last U.S. troops withdrew from the country in late 2011, APA reports quoting local media.
Initial results show a turnout of some 60 percent in the parliamentary elections, in which more than 9,000 candidates from nearly 280 political entities were vying for 328 seats.
"The people of Iraq know better than anyone else the enormous challenges that they face, and yesterday's turnout demonstrated to the world that they seek to pursue a more stable and peaceful future through the political process," Obama said in a written statement.
"Whatever the outcome of this process, it should serve to unite the country through the formation of a new government that is supported by all Iraqi communities and that is prepared to advance tangible and implementable programs," he added, vowing continuing U.S. support in the days ahead.
The United States has sent more weaponry and intelligence officers in recent months to help Iraq counter growing violence by Islamic militants, with at least 22 people killed Wednesday in attacks on voters and polling stations in the country.
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