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Following Iraq’s parliamentary election, President Obama released a statement congratulating the Iraqi people on a successful, albeit deadly, election. “I congratulate the people of Iraq for casting their ballots in this important parliamentary election,” Obama’s release said. “I have great respect for the millions of Iraqis who refused to be deterred by acts of violence, and who exercised their right to vote today.” Obama also commended the Iraqi government and security forces for providing security to nearly 50,000 voting booths at more than 8,000 polling stations across the country. At least 38 people were killed and dozens wounded by bombings protesting the polls this weekend. The president also acknowledged the work is not quite done as the ballot counting will continue over the following days.