Iraq rivals vie for power after Sadr win

Populist Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr is looking to form a governing coalition after dealing a blow to both Iranian and U.S. influence with a shock election triumph that upended Iraqi politics

Moqtada al-Sadr
Saeroun (Marching Towards Reform) Set to take most seats in parliament after his coalition with Iraq’s communists and other secular groups won popular vote with pledge to curb corruption and foreign meddling

Hadi al-Amiri
Fatah (Conquest) Former Iraqi transport minister heads alliance made up of former fighters from mainly Iran-backed paramilitary units that battled so- called Islamic State. Came close second to Sadr in polls

Haider al-Abadi
Nasr (Victory) Incumbent Iraqi prime minister favoured by U.S. appears to be in third place. Could still potentially remain in office for second term as consensus figure after formation of coalition government

PRELIMINARY RESULTS
Most votes won, by province Figures show available parliamentary seats

Saeroun (Sadr) 
Fatah (Amiri) 
Nasr (Abadi) 
Qarar al-Iraqi 
Wataniya 
Anbar Our Identity
Patriotic Union of Kurdistan
Kurdistan Democratic Party


Dohuk: 12 
Erbil: 16 
Sulaimania: 18 
Kirkuk: 13 
Saladin: 12 
Diyala: 14 
Baghdad: 71 
Wasit: 12 
Qadisiya: 11 
Maysan: 10 
Dhiqar: 19 
Basra: 25
Total seats: 329
    
Nineveh  34
Anbar    15
IRAQ
Babil:   17
Karbala: 11
Najaf    12
Muthanna  7
    

Sources: AFP, IHEC, MECRA   Pictures: Getty Images, Newscom      © GRAPHIC NEWS