In Iraq, polling is underway across the country to elect a new parliament.

 

According to the poll body, voters will select 329 members of parliament, including 83 seats reserved for women.

 

There are 7,744 candidates running from different political parties.

 

This election will see a powerful Shia bloc headed by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki take part, as well as a coalition led by the current Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. The latter is aiming to secure a second term as prime minister.

 

Meanwhile, the main Sunni political force running in the elections is the Taqaddum (Progress) Party, headed by Parliamentary Speaker Mohamed al-Halbousi. His party’s supporters mainly hail from Sunni heartlands in the west and north of the country.