Sudani secures 'major win' in polls: Sources close to Iraqi PM

Incumbent Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, who is vying for a second term, has scored a big win in general elections, sources close to the premier said on Wednesday.

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Iraqis on Tuesday headed to the polls for a general election that came as the country experiences a rare moment of calm in a region roiled by recent conflicts.

The next premier must answer to Iraqis seeking jobs, better infrastructure, and improved education and health systems in a country plagued by corruption and mismanagement.

But he also faces the exacting task of maintaining the delicate balance between Iraq's allies, Iran and the US, even more so now that the Middle East is undergoing seismic changes, with new alliances forming and old powers weakening.

Iraq's electoral commission is expected to announce preliminary results later in the evening, but an official close to the premier said that his "Reconstruction and Development list has secured a major victory".

Another two sources said Sudani’s alliance has "won the largest bloc", with approximately 50 seats.