Baghdad, Jan. 31 Jubilant Shiite parties tonight captured a majority of the 275 seats in Iraq?s new constituent assembly.

Although Iraq?s experiment with democracy was marred by widespread violence and a boycott by many voters, both Sunni and Shia, who were simply too scared to venture out, the turnout ? estimated at just under 50 per cent ? was remarkably high.

The interim Iraqi prime minister, Iyad Allawi, and President, Ghazer al-Yawar, were both elected, but 190 of the 275 assembly seats have been won by Shiite coalitions.

The success of the election may pose a problem to US President Bush for fresh elections are only a year away. Sunnis, who boycotted yesterday?s election, say Iran has already meddled in the Iraqi election with a view to encouraging an Islamic Republic of Iraq built along Iranian lines. amit roy

Amit Roy