What you need to know about the elections in Iraq

• Iraq is holding crucial parliamentary elections, which began on Sunday for security forces and displaced persons, with the general election commencing on Tuesday.
• The election's outcome will significantly impact Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's prospects for a second term and shape Iraq's future political landscape.
• This vote is the seventh since the 2003 US-led invasion, with current voter concerns primarily focused on job opportunities and inadequate public services rather than security.
• The influential Sadrist Movement, led by Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, is boycotting the election, while several Iran-linked Shiite militias are participating through associated political parties.
• The election has been marred by allegations of corruption, vote-buying, and the assassination of a candidate, Safaa al-Mashhadani, ahead of the polls.

IN FULL

Why the election in Iraq is so important and what is at stake