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Supporters of Muktada al-Sadr celebrate his election victory
Photo: Khalid Mohammed / dpa
According to preliminary results, the movement of the Shiite cleric Muktada al-Sadr has apparently become the strongest force in the early parliamentary elections in Iraq. The Sadrists had secured "about 73" of the 329 seats in parliament, said a party representative from the AFP news agency. A representative of the electoral commission confirmed that the party was "in the lead". Several pro-Iranian parties spoke of "manipulation" on Tuesday and announced that the election results would be challenged.
If the results are confirmed, the sadrists could develop their status as the strongest force in parliament.
The movement was already the strongest parliamentary group in the previous parliament, but only had 54 seats.
"The people should celebrate this victory of the largest faction," said al-Sadr in a televised address.
He warned other states to interfere in the formation of governments.
At the same time he declared war on corruption.
All corrupt would be held accountable.
The former militia leader al-Sadr rejects any foreign influence in Iraq.
He is known for both his hostility towards the US and his protest against the growing Iranian influence in Iraq.
According to the preliminary results, the previously second-placed Fatah coalition has to accept significant losses.
It is linked to the Shiite militias and is supported by Iran.
Fatah could lose more than half of its seats.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kasimi had brought the vote several months forward after mass protests against the country's political leadership.
The demonstrations that broke out in October 2019 were directed against rampant corruption, the weak economic situation and poor infrastructure, among other things.
Cells of the terrorist militia "Islamic State" are also still active in the country.
More than 250,000 security guards on duty
Al-Sadr's movement campaigned for reforms.
However, it is part of the political elite that many Iraqis blame for the grievances in the country.
The distrust in politics was also evident in the voter turnout, which fell to a record low of around 41 percent during the vote.
Observers saw this as a clear sign of the frustration of many Iraqis with the political situation.
The vote was generally calm.
According to the military leadership, more than 250,000 security forces were deployed to prevent incidents.
A total of around 25 million people were called to vote.
svs / Reuters / AFP / dpa