In Iraq, at least 55 people died as dozens of explosions and a shooting ripped through provinces across the country Monday just days before elections. The worst violence struck the capital, Baghdad, where at least 25 people were killed by car bombs and other blasts. At least 14 political candidates have been killed in recent weeks ahead of provincial elections scheduled for Saturday. Monday’s toll was the highest in nearly a month after 65 people died in blasts on March 19, the anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion.