MNA � According to preliminary figures released by Iraq�s Independent High Electoral Commission, Muqtada al-Sadr alliance �Saeroon� is leading the Saturday parliamentary elections, followed by Hadi al-Amiri�s bloc.


According to the initial results, the �Saeron� Coalition, supported by Muqtada Sadr, and Hadi al-Amiri bloc 'Fatah', who is close to the Popular Mobilization Forces, are leading the majority of Iraqi provinces in the Sunday parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Abadi�s Nasr (Victory) Coalition appeared to be in the third place�according to figures from 10 provinces.

Iraq�s Independent High Electoral Commission had�announced earlier that the turnout which stood at 44 percent was lower than any other elections since 2003. The record low turnout was partly blamed on a curfew and restrictions on movement of vehicle which was imposed due to security concerns.

More than 7,000 candidates were running for 329 parliamentary seats in 18 provinces.