![A worker with Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission carries a sealed ballot box in Baghdad following the provincial elections. AFP](https://thenational-the-national-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/4YH2R2XAN2KPTDPLHJ5RRDPFTA.jpg?smart=true&auth=ccad5287cb5ca21a53488c23615f2b04e028a2c8cfde1440fd1eb25b6cd41951&width=400&height=225)
A worker with Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission carries a sealed ballot box in Baghdad following the provincial elections. AFP
A worker with Iraq's Independent High Electoral Commission carries a sealed ballot box in Baghdad following the provincial elections. AFP
Iran-backed Shiite parties strengthen grip on power in provincial elections
Last week, Iraq held its first provincial council elections in more than a decade