Iraqi voters optimistic as polls close

BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) - Voting ended Saturday evening for Iraqi provincial elections, and the mood was festive in Anbar, where violence and intimidation by al Qaeda kept most residents from casting ballots in 2005.

One high official called Saturday's election, held in 14 of Iraq's 18 provinces, "truly a proud moment." Preliminary results from the Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq are expected within five days, said Staffan de Mistura, head of the U.N. mission in that country. Final numbers are due at the end of February.

Only two instances of violence were reported.

CNN's Arwa Damon, who toured polling stations with U.N. observers, said she noticed an increased sense of awareness and optimism among voters, who felt their participation would have an impact on their lives and country.

Political analysts said this election could correct some of the political imbalances that resulted from the 2005 election. Saturday's voting also was seen as a referendum on the popularity of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.