THE TOP FIVE CANDIDATES

Iraqis will head to polling stations on May 12 for parliamentary elections, the first since the fall of ISIS. There are 6,982 candidates, including 2,014 women, who will run in the polls. Here are the top names to look out for.

Haider Al Abadi

Iraq’s current prime minister is seeking another term in office. Mr Al Abadi has put together a Victory Alliance list, a coalition composed of civil society personalities across sectarian lines.

Hadi Al Ameri

The head of the Badr Organisation and leader of the majority Shiite Hashed Al Shaabi paramilitary units. Mr Al Ameri’s candidates officially quit their military roles to run for office.

Nouri Al Maliki

The head of the State of Law coalition who also holds the ceremonial title of vice-president of Iraq. The list is based on the principles of the ruling Dawa Party, which Mr Al Maliki led before leaving office in 2014. Mr Al Maliki and his list faced criticism after ISIS’s seizure of one third of the country when he was prime minister.

Ayad Allawi

The prominent Shiite vicepresident, who presents himself as secular, is leading The National Alliance list along with Sunni head of parliament Salim Al Jubouri. Mr Allawi’s bloc has been advocating for fair and transparent elections.

Muqtada Al Sadr

Iraq’s firebrand Shiite cleric is leading the Marching Towards Reform alliance, which includes secular groups such as the Iraqi Communist Party and Istiqama (Righteousness), a technocrat party backed by Mr Al Sadr. The leader suspended his Al Ahrar Bloc and called on his 33 ministers not to run in the polls.