Moqtada al Sadr, the Muslim Shiite cleric, and his Marching Towards Reform alliance with Iraq's communists look to be in first position coming out of the national polls.The elections rejected the Iraqi elite that has run the country since the ousting of Saddam Hussein in 2003. Running a campaign highly critical of both the USA and Iran, the controversial cleric and militia leader has struck a chord with millions of poor Shia voters. Only 44 percent of voters turned out, the lowest in the four elections since the removal of Saddam. During the next two weeks, the various parties will jockey for position as they seek to form a governing coalition.
Iraq election: nationalist cleric takes surprise lead
Written by David Fletcher 18 May 2018Additional Info
- Pray: for the raising up of a good and honest prime minister and other government officials, to take the nation forward into real peace and prosperity and out of ethnic and religious rivalry and division. (Psalm 7:8)
- More: www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/iraq-election-result-announced-latest-coalition-moqtada-al-sadr-sairoon-lead-winner-a8351766.html
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