Baghdad - Iraq's provincial elections were extended by an hour on Saturday to allow all voters to cast their ballots, Iraqi media reported.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in the afternoon meanwhile also lifted a ban, initially ordered for the day, on vehicles in the inner city.

An hour before the planned close of polling stations, he announced they would now close at 6 pm (1500 GMT) and not at 5 pm (1400 GMT) as originally scheduled.

The elections in 14 provinces began at 7 am (0400 GMT) Saturday. (dpa)