Iraq: elections, Sadrist current claims victory

(ANSA) - BAGHDAD, 11 OCT - Considered favored in the legislative elections in Iraq, the current of the influential Shiite leader Moqtada al-Sadr today claimed to be the first force in Parliament with more than 70 seats out of 329. "The approximate number is 73 seats "a Sadrist official told AFP after counting the number of current candidates who have secured a seat.

An Iraqi electoral commission official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the Sadrist current is indeed "in the lead", according to the preliminary results.

(HANDLE).