In the news of this day, election stations have closed in northern Iraq. The vote could affect independence of the Kurdish area and its relations with the central government in Baghdad. Local election officials say early vote counts show that more than 78% of register voters completed ballots. Iraqi Kurds  have been arguing with the government in Baghdad about land and oil. President Masoud Barzani said he would, in his words, “never compromise on Kirkuk”. He renewed his defense of plan in Iraq 2005 Constitution for settling control of the oil-rich area.