Iraq elections commissions prepares for partial recount

BAGHDAD – Iraq’s elections commission says it has directed its branches to send ballot boxes possibly affected by fraud to Baghdad for a recount.

The order, issued by the commission on Sunday, paves the way for a partial recount of the roughly 11 million votes cast in national elections in May. Those elections were marred by allegations of fraud.

Earlier this month, Parliament ordered a full recount of the vote, after results showed two-thirds of its members losing their seats. After a challenge by President Fuad Masum, Iraq’s highest court last week ruled the law was constitutional. But it included the proviso that a recount could be limited to boxes where fraud is suspected to have occurred.

The commission said the U.N. would observe the recount. It did not set a date.