Iran accused of interfering at Iraqi polls

BAGHDAD, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- Iraqi politicians from Sunni and Shiite parties raised objections to perceived Iranian interference at various polling centers for the provincial elections.

Nasir Baghban, the Iranian consul in the southern province of Basra, allegedly tried to enter polling centers in the district without proper authorization, the London-based newspaper Al-Sharq al-Awsat reported.

Iraqi election officials noted observers from the national and international community were allowed to monitor the Saturday elections provided they obtained official authorization from the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq.

Officials from the Iranian Embassy in Baghdad said they had no information on the allegations, but noted Baghban must have carried official permits if he tried to enter the polling center.

"The elections are an Iraqi internal affair, and Iran does not interfere in it unless, as I said, an official permit is secured from the elections commission," embassy spokesman Amir Arshadi told the news agency.

Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Labid Abawi said if the allegations proved correct, it would amount to "an act incompatible with the diplomatic norms and unacceptable."

Lawmakers with parties ranging from the Shiite Fadhila Party to the Sunni Accordance Front issued similar condemnations.