Iraq goes to elections, first time since defeat of Islamic State

Iraq on Saturday, May 12, went to the parliamentary elections - the first since its government declared a victory over the terrorist elements of the Islamic State in December 2017.

About 7,000 candidates from rival coalition alliances were contesting the elections to the 329-member Council of Representatives which elect the president and prime minister.

Iraq, which was invaded by the West in 2003 saw the fall of its dictator Saddam Hussein and got involved in a four-year conflict with the IS in later years. The country is yet to overcome its fragile state of affairs and is facing sectarian and separatist tensions.

Security has been beefed up across the country for the elections.

Though the Shia-led government of Iraq has won praise for effective handling of the IS, issues like corruption and economic concerns still continue to worry the Iraqis, a BBC report said.

Will pro-Iran forces come to power in Baghdad?

The Iraqi election has also become significant especially in the wake of the US's withdrawal from the nuclear deal with the neighbouring Iran for experts believe an angry Iran would try to influence the Iraqi election to see pro forces coming to power in Baghdad.

In Lebanon recently, pro-Iran forces came to power and Tehran would be happy to see same thing happening in Iraq as well.