In Iraq's disputed Kirkuk, voting highly sensitive(allegations of cheating

[sabra]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/GEO564216.htm

In Iraq's disputed Kirkuk, voting highly sensitive


KIRKUK, Dec 15 (Reuters) - An Iraqi official in the disputed city of Kirkuk accused Kurds of cheating in Thursday's election, saying thousands had been bussed in to swell the Kurdish vote.

Kurds denied the charge.

Hassan Toran, a Turkmen member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, said Turkmen, Arab Sunni and Shi'ite officials would lodge an official written complaint with Iraq's Electoral Commission and demand a new vote under U.N. supervision.

"A lot of violations took place. Many (non-Kurdish) voters did not find their names on lists because they were removed," Toran told Reuters.

"Buses carried thousands of Kurds from Sulaimaniya and Arbil to vote. Roads between provinces were supposed to be closed."