Iraqis Prepare for First Open Elections in 50 Years: An estimated 13.9 million Iraqis are eligible to cast ballots January 30, 2005, in the country’s first open, direct, multiparty legislative elections in more than 50 years. The ballots will list more than 100 parties, coalitions and individuals vying for seats in the Transitional National Assembly. With all of the independent candidates and all of the participants on the party lists, there are more than 7,000 candidates for the 275 seats. Each voter will have the right to select one entry on the ballot, whether a party slate or independent candidate. [...] (US Dept. of State news)