Special report: Tension escalates in Iraq

     BAGHDAD, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's most influential Shiite cleric on Monday called on Iraqis to vote in the upcoming provincial elections later this month, stressing that he is not supporting any candidates.

    Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani "urges all Iraqis to take part in the coming elections despite not being totally satisfied by previous electoral experience," a statement from Sistani's office said.

    It also said that the supreme spiritual leader for Shiite Muslims "stands at an equal distance away from all candidates in these elections."

    Sistani stressed that Iraqis must choose those candidates after thorough checks and examination to select those who will be members of the provincial councils, the statement said.

    Iraqis are scheduled to vote on Jan. 31 to choose members of ruling councils in 14 provinces out of 18. More than 14,000 candidates are running for 444 council seats.