Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's allies look set for sweeping victories in provincial polls, a result that could overturn the post-Saddam political order and strengthen the hand of a leader once seen as weak.
Although official preliminary results will not be published for days, leaders of rival Shi'ite parties acknowledged that Maliki's State of Law coalition appeared to be headed for a substantial win and perhaps a landslide in Shi'ite areas. The first nationwide vote in four years, Saturday's local council elections are being viewed as a test of stability before general elections later this year as well as a referendum on the prime minister Nouri al-Maliki's leadership.SOUNDBITES: Unidentified Basra Resident saying (Arabic): ''Well, I can tell you that myself and my family and my friends and neighbours voted for al-Maliki's law and order list. He is the one who gave us security and order.''
Unidentified Basra Resident saying (Arabic): ''We voted for the list headed by Prime Minister al-Maliki because he worked for his country and served us well and got rid of terrorism and the gangs.''
Helen Long, Reuters
