The U.N. Office for Project Services announced it received more than 250 proposals from Iraqi non-governmental organizations to work on educational programs in lieu of provincial elections scheduled for fall 2008, the United Nations said in a statement.

The Iraqi Independent High Electoral Commission found the submission process fair and independent.

Funding will be allocated based on provincial population figures with women, youth, minority and displaced groups getting special attention.

More than 200 applicants, including 22 women, submitted their names in February to be considered for director positions with the electoral councils in eight of Iraq's 19 provinces.

Provincial elections in Iraq are scheduled for no later than October 2008.