Sudani claims victory as coalition leads Iraq poll

Iraq’s PM Mohammed Shia al-Sudani leads the way in parliamentary elections, setting the stage for a second term as coalition talks get underway.

Transcript

00:00A coalition led by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has come out on top in the country's parliamentary election.

00:07According to the Electoral Commission, al-Sudani's coalition secured 1.3 million votes, around 370,000 more than its nearest rival.

00:20Speaking after the initial results, al-Sudani praised the 56% voter turnout on Tuesday's vote,

00:27calling it a sign of restored confidence in Iraq's political system.

00:32But the election was also marked by voter disillusionment.

00:36Many Iraqis saw it as little more than a contest for established parties to divide the country's oil wealth,

00:43despite al-Sudani's pitch as a leader who could steer Iraq towards stability after decades of turmoil.

00:50No single party can form a government in Iraq's 329-seat parliament.

00:55Parties must build alliances, a process that can take months.

01:00Though early estimates suggest al-Sudani's coalition may have won around 50 seats.

01:05Under Iraq's power-sharing system, the premiership goes to a Shiite, the speakership to a Sunni, and the presidency to a Kurd.

01:13The next government will face strong pressure from Iraqis demanding jobs, better schools and improved health care,

01:19amid widespread public frustration.

01:21Al-Sudani will also need to carefully balance relations with Iraq's key allies, Iran and the United States,

01:28in a region undergoing rapid changes.