Iraqis cast ballots in 2 Sunni-dominated provinces amid tight security measures
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Iraqi state TV says voters have begun casting ballots in two Sunni-dominated provinces amid tight security aimed at thwarting insurgent attempts to disrupt the elections.
The balloting comes amid rising sectarian tensions and deteriorating security in Iraq. The two provinces — Anbar and Ninevah — have been the scene of rallies against the Shiite-led government.
A vehicle ban was implemented in major cities in the provinces as voting got underway for candidates who will serve on provincial-level councils. Thousands of policemen and soldiers were deployed to secure Thursday's vote.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Iraqis voted in 12 other provinces two months ago. Officials had delayed elections in Anbar and Ninevah because of what they said were security concerns.