The security measures taken in Iraq previous to the Election Day were strict, but in Baghdad attackers were still able to detonate bombs that killed and injured many people.
The Embassy reports that the Iraqi people seemed very committed to the election process. Outside Baghdad the Election Day was celebrated and entire families showed up to vote in their best dresses. Election participation has been set to 62% across the country, but in the northern region of Kurdistan participation has been estimated to exceed 80%.
Read the Norwegian minister of Foreign Affairs' comment on the elections here.