Problems reported in Iraqi provincial vote
BAGHDAD – Iraqi election monitors on Sunday reported multiple irregularities in the country’s first provincial vote since U.S. troops left, but were unclear as to whether results would be affected.
In an initial report, two nongovernmental organizations, Shams and Tamoz, said over 300 irregularities had been recorded by the seven thousand monitors they had sent across Iraq to cover Saturday’s polls.
The vote was a key test of Iraq’s short experience with democratic elections because it was the first one run since the U.S. withdrawal in December 2011. Allegations of vote fixing are not uncommon following elections in the country.
In one instance, Hoger Jato of Shams said some security force members had helped specific campaigns while on duty, with some advising voters at polling centers on whom to support. Elsewhere, electoral commission employees reportedly failed to check the identities of voters, allowing them to cast ballots on behalf others.
Mexico City buildings sway in 5.9 quake
MEXICO CITY – A 5.9-magnitude earthquake struck in the Mexican state of Michoacan on Sunday night, causing buildings to sway 200 miles away in Mexico City.
Some people evacuated buildings in the capital, but there were no immediate reports of damage or injuries. State officials in Michoacan also said they had no reports of casualties or damage.
The U.S. Geological Survey said the quake’s epicenter was about 23 miles northeast of the Pacific port of Lazaro Cardenas. That is about 202 miles west-southwest of Mexico City.
The USGS said its preliminary reading of the quake gave it a magnitude of 5.9. Mexico’s National Seismological Service put the magnitude at 5.8.
Tight security greets London runners
LONDON – They crossed the line in front of Buckingham Palace with black ribbons on their chests and the Boston Marathon victims on their minds.
Six days after bombs exploded near the Boston finish line, the London Marathon sent out a powerful message of solidarity with the U.S. city and its victims Sunday and put the spotlight back on the sport and away from terrorist fears.
The men’s race began with a poignant 30-second period of silence to remember Boston’s dead and injured and ended with a thrilling finish.
Under clear blue skies, Tsegaye Kebede chased down Emmanuel Mutai in the closing stages and overtook the tiring Kenyan to secure a second London title on The Mall in 2 hours, 6 minutes and 4 seconds, while compatriot Ayele Abshero was third.
Associated Press
