(VOVworld) – The Iraqi Council of Representatives general election began on Tuesday, despite escalating violence and conflict between political parties.

A woman passes by the election poster with the image of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki (Photo: AFP)

This is the first general election in Iraq since US forces withdrew from the gulf state 2 years ago. The State of Law Coalition (SOL) of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is expected to gain most seats in the council, though it would need more support from Shiite and Kurd parties to seal a victory. Candidates from the Shiite, Sunni, and Kurd communities will run for 328 seats at the Iraqi Council of Representatives.
Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq, Nickolay Mladenov, on Wednesday emphasised the sharp division among Iraqi Muslim communities ahead of the general election and called on political parties to enhance solidarity and find a comprehensive solution to the current violent situation.