15 May 2018 | 03:02 AM UTC
Iraq: Muqtada al-Sadr leads in election count May 14 /update 4
Muqtada al-Sadr’s coalition leads in Iraqi parliamentary election count May 14; Islamic State (IS) attacks reported in Diyala, Saladin, and Kirkuk provinces
Event
Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoun Alliance has reportedly taken a lead in the vote count for the Iraqi parliamentary elections, according to preliminary results released on Monday, May 14. The bloc led by Iran-backed militia leader Hadi al-Amiri is reportedly polling in second place, while Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's Victory Alliance is currently third in the vote count.
Official results are expected to be announced in the coming days. While no major election-related militant attacks have taken place in Baghdad, several Islamic State (IS)-claimed attacks have taken place at polling stations in Diyala, Saladin, and Kirkuk provinces in recent days, killing several people. Additional low-level militant attacks, including by IS, are possible in the coming days following the vote. Potential reports of voting irregularities could foment political unrest in affected areas. Heightened security measures and transportation disruptions are expected near any gatherings.
Context
At least five candidates had been killed ahead of the May 12 Iraqi parliamentary elections. The figure includes the deaths of two candidates who were killed on May 7 in Qayyara and in the village of Lazaka, south of Mosul; while IS has claimed responsibility for both killings, subsequent reports have suggested that, in fact, the men were killed in family and political disputes.
Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi claimed victory over IS in December 2017, the group retains a degree of freedom of movement in the northeast (Hamrim Mountains), near the Tigris and Zab rivers, in rural regions of Anbar province, and along the Syrian border in the west. IS militants continue to carry out attacks, notably against security forces.
Advice
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
