Kurdish security forces in northern Iraq cast their ballots in region's 4th legislative vote
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}An Iraqi official says security forces in the country's self-ruled northern Kurdish region have started casting their ballots two days ahead of the area's fourth parliamentary election since 1992.
Independent High Electoral Commission member Muqdad al-Shuraifi says more than 150,000 members of security forces are eligible to take part in Thursday's special voting. Al-Shuraifi added that nearly 1,130 candidates are vying for a spot in the 111-seat parliament.
The vote is not expected to upend the domination of the region's two main parties: the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan led by Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, and the Kurdistan Democratic Party, led by regional President Masoud Barzani.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Kurds have enjoyed autonomy since 1991, when a U.S.-British no-fly zone helped protect them from Saddam Hussein's forces.