Elections are test for Maliki, Iraq

Iraqis vote Saturday in the first nationwide election in three years, choosing provincial leaders in what amounts to a test of Iraq's stability as the US plans to remove its troops.
In contrast to Iraq's three previous ballots since the US-led invasion, which were held in the shadow of fierce fighting, this one is strikingly open.
In Baghdad and elsewhere, streets are festooned with colourful election banners, and candidates many of them first-timers have taken advantage of better security to hold public meetings where voters pose questions on such nuts-and-bolts issues as housing shortages and rising prices.
Although the races are local, the stakes are enormous both for Iraq and the United States.
A credible election without significant violence would show that the security improvements of the past 18 months are taking hold. The outcome will also show which parties stand the best chance of success in parliamentary elections expected by the end of the year.
However, a deeply flawed election, marred by violence and allegations of widespread fraud, would cast doubt over Iraq's future and could influence President Barack Obama's decision on how fast to remove the 142,000 American troops.
Obama pledged during the presidential campaign to end America's role in the unpopular war and has ordered his national security team to prepare plans for a responsible withdrawal. US officials warn that a hasty pullout could threaten Iraq's fragile security.