Iraqi voters showered with gifts as election nears

By Aseel Kami and Suadad al-Salhy

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Many Iraqis say that for four years they have seen little of their elected representatives, but now that it's election time, they all turn up bearing gifts.

Guns, watches, expensive hotel stays and even cash are being used to woo voters in Sunday's parliamentary election, Iraq's second full national ballot since the 2003 U.S. invasion.

Playing down the importance of guns that allies of the prime minister have given as gifts, an Iraqi government official said: "They do not cost much, less than $300 (201 pounds) or $400 each."

Media reports of the presents have surfaced only recently, but the government official said the guns were given more than a year ago, and none had been handed out since.

The fact that $300 or $400 is not considered a substantial sum for a handout is indicative of the funds being lavished on voters in the oil-producing country ahead of the ballot.

Journalists are being offered mobile phones, and voters watches, while long delayed public works and other services have suddenly and ostentatiously been carried out or improved.

"What's the cost of a watch when you compare it to what others are giving out?" said a candidate, defending the gift giving and speaking on condition of anonymity.

Days before the vote, Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki opened a new bridge on Tuesday after months of delays, while energy officials have suddenly got around to distributing new and improved gas tanks that power stoves and boilers.