Bush declares Iraqi elections a success; warns of violence

A jubilant US President George W Bush called Sunday's elections in Iraq "a success," but cautioned that the terrorists in the country would continue to wage war against democracy.

"The world is hearing the voice of freedom from  the center of the Middle East," Bush, who has been monitoring the elections from White House, told reporters.

Earlier report: Iraqi voters brave blasts, suicide bombers

Bush praised the bravery of Iraqis who turned out to vote despite continuing violence and intimidation, saying they "firmly  rejected the anti-democratic ideology" of terrorists.

Reporters in Iraq said that 60 to 72 per cent of the voters were said to have voted in the elections -- a higher percentage than any US presidential election.

Except in some of the Sunni areas where the number of voters was fewer because of the insurgents' threats, who struck polling stations with a string of suicide bombings and mortar volleys, killing at least 44 people, the turnout exceeded expectations.

In some of the Shiite areas, 95 per cent of the voters are said to have cast their ballots.

"Some Iraqis were killed while exercising their rights as citizens," Bush said.