Lawmakers on Thursday (October 13) elected Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid as Iraq's new president, who then named Mohammad Shia al-Sudani as prime minister-designate.&nbsp;

Now two days after that, Moqtada Sadr's movement on Saturday announced that it won't join a new government that is being formed by Sudani, the news agency AFP reported. &nbsp;

Mohammed Saleh al-Iraqi, a close associate of Sadr, said in a statement posted on Twitter: "We stress our firm and clear refusal for any of our affiliates to participate... in this government formation."&nbsp;

The 52-year-old Shiite former minister Sudani is supported by the Coordination Framework, which holds 138 of the 329 members in the Iraqi legislature.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clash-between-nato-and-russian-forces-will-lead-to-a-global-catastrophe-warns-putin-525575">Clash between NATO and Russian forces will lead to a 'global catastrophe', warns Putin</a>&nbsp;

The upcoming government has a "clear subordination to militias" and would "not meet the people's aspirations", Iraqi said in his statement on Saturday.&nbsp;

Sadr had ordered the 73 lawmakers in his bloc to resign, leaving parliament in the hands of the Framework.&nbsp;

"Anyone who joins their ministries does not represent us... rather, we disavow them," Iraqi said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Iran's anti-Hijab protests enter fifth week: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warns protesters&nbsp;

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What do we know about Iraq's presidency?

In Iraq, the presidency is traditionally occupied by a Kurd. It is a largely ceremonial position but the vote for Rashid was a key step toward forming a new government.&nbsp;

The 78-year-old was the Iraqi minister of water resources from 2003-2010. The British-educated engineer won against former President Barham Salih, who was running for a second term.&nbsp;

He invited Sudani, who previously served as Iraq’s human rights minister as well as minister of labour and social affairs, to form a government.&nbsp;

Sudani now has 30 days to form a cabinet and present it to parliament for approval.&nbsp;

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Lawmakers on Thursday (October 13) elected Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid as Iraq's new president, who then named Mohammad Shia al-Sudani as prime minister-designate.

Lawmakers on Thursday (October 13) elected Kurdish politician Abdul Latif Rashid as Iraq's new president, who then named Mohammad Shia al-Sudani as prime minister-designate. Now two days after that, Moqtada Sadr's movement on Saturday announced that it won't join a new government that is being formed by Sudani, the news agency AFP reported. Mohammed Saleh al-Iraqi, a close associate of Sadr, said in a statement posted on Twitter: "We stress our firm and clear refusal for any of our affiliates to participate... in this government formation." The 52-year-old Shiite former minister Sudani is supported by the Coordination Framework, which holds 138 of the 329 members in the Iraqi legislature. ALSO READ | Clash between NATO and Russian forces will lead to a 'global catastrophe', warns Putin The upcoming government has a "clear subordination to militias" and would "not meet the people's aspirations", Iraqi said in his statement on Saturday. Sadr had ordered the 73 lawmakers in his bloc to resign, leaving parliament in the hands of the Framework. "Anyone who joins their ministries does not represent us... rather, we disavow them," Iraqi said. WATCH | Iran's anti-Hijab protests enter fifth week: Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei warns protesters × What do we know about Iraq's presidency? In Iraq, the presidency is traditionally occupied by a Kurd. It is a largely ceremonial position but the vote for Rashid was a key step toward forming a new government. The 78-year-old was the Iraqi minister of water resources from 2003-2010. The British-educated engineer won against former President Barham Salih, who was running for a second term. He invited Sudani, who previously served as Iraq’s human rights minister as well as minister of labour and social affairs, to form a government. Sudani now has 30 days to form a cabinet and present it to parliament for approval. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraq's Sadrist movement refuses to join new government, says it won't meet people's aspirations

Protestors started to depart from the Green Zone in Baghdad on Tuesday after Moqtada Sadr, a powerful cleric in Iraq, urged his supporters to call off a protest after violence claimed the lives of 23.

Sadr threatened to "disavow" anyone still in the high-security Green Zone after giving his supporters "60 minutes" to depart.

From his base in the city of Najaf in central Iraq, Sadr told reporters, "I apologise to the Iraqi people, the only ones affected by the events."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-iraq-clashes-between-sadrs-and-military-claimed-lives-of-15-statewide-curfew-imposed-511343">Live: Iraqi protesters storm presidential palace; at least 23 killed in clashes</a>

AFP reports that following Sadr's address, which was broadcast live on television, his supporters could be seen starting to leave the Green Zone, and shortly after that, the army lifted the nationwide curfew that had been in place since Monday's violence flared up.

Iraq's political crisis&nbsp;has left the nation without a functioning government, prime minister, or president for months, and has caused tensions to skyrocket.

Sadr's followers stormed the government palace inside the Green Zone on Monday afternoon in response to their leader's announcement that he was leaving politics, and events intensified quickly.

Following the 2003 US-led overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein, Sadr, a grey-bearded preacher with millions of devoted followers, once led a militia against American and Iraqi government forces. On Monday, Sadr announced his "definitive retirement" and said he had "decided not to meddle in political affairs."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-firing-after-sadrs-political-exit-army-declares-curfew-511255">Iraq: Protests after Sadr's political exit, 15 protesters dead, army declares curfew</a>

On Tuesday morning, fighting between Sadr's followers and the army and members of the Hashed al-Shaabi, erstwhile paramilitaries supported by Tehran and now part of the Iraqi military, continued with the rattling of automatic weapons and louder blasts of rocket-propelled grenades.

The UN mission in Iraq has also issued a warning that "an extremely dangerous escalation" was imminent and urged all parties to "refrain from acts that could lead to an unstoppable chain of events."

It asserted that "the very survival of the state is at stake."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Protestors started to depart from the Green Zone in Baghdad on Tuesday after Moqtada Sadr, a powerful cleric in Iraq, urged his supporters to call off a protest after violence claimed the lives of 23.

Protestors started to depart from the Green Zone in Baghdad on Tuesday after Moqtada Sadr, a powerful cleric in Iraq, urged his supporters to call off a protest after violence claimed the lives of 23. Sadr threatened to "disavow" anyone still in the high-security Green Zone after giving his supporters "60 minutes" to depart. From his base in the city of Najaf in central Iraq, Sadr told reporters, "I apologise to the Iraqi people, the only ones affected by the events." Also read | Live: Iraqi protesters storm presidential palace; at least 23 killed in clashes AFP reports that following Sadr's address, which was broadcast live on television, his supporters could be seen starting to leave the Green Zone, and shortly after that, the army lifted the nationwide curfew that had been in place since Monday's violence flared up. Iraq's political crisis has left the nation without a functioning government, prime minister, or president for months, and has caused tensions to skyrocket. Sadr's followers stormed the government palace inside the Green Zone on Monday afternoon in response to their leader's announcement that he was leaving politics, and events intensified quickly. Following the 2003 US-led overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein, Sadr, a grey-bearded preacher with millions of devoted followers, once led a militia against American and Iraqi government forces. On Monday, Sadr announced his "definitive retirement" and said he had "decided not to meddle in political affairs." Also read | Iraq: Protests after Sadr's political exit, 15 protesters dead, army declares curfew On Tuesday morning, fighting between Sadr's followers and the army and members of the Hashed al-Shaabi, erstwhile paramilitaries supported by Tehran and now part of the Iraqi military, continued with the rattling of automatic weapons and louder blasts of rocket-propelled grenades. The UN mission in Iraq has also issued a warning that "an extremely dangerous escalation" was imminent and urged all parties to "refrain from acts that could lead to an unstoppable chain of events." It asserted that "the very survival of the state is at stake." (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'I apologise to the people' Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr orders his followers to leave Green Zone

Demanding that parliament be dissolved, influential Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr called for fresh elections in Iraq on Wednesday.

Highlighting that he has "no interest" in negotiating with his rivals, Sadr said Iraq has been without a government for nearly 10 months.

In protest at a rival Shiite faction's nomination for a prime minister, Sadr's supporters occupied parliament for a fifth consecutive day.

Taking over the parliament building to prevent his opponents from forming a government, thousands of followers of Sadr stormed Baghdad's Green Zone last week.

Calling his moves a coup and demanding his supporters leave parliament, Sadr's rivals then staged Monday's counter-protest outside the Green Zone.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-sadrist-movement-to-coordination-framework-who-are-iraqs-competing-shiite-groups-502709">From Sadrist movement to Coordination Framework: Who are Iraq’s competing Shi’ite groups</a>

The rival protests a dangerous prospect for Iraq and threatens to drag it into more violence, each side is backed by heavily-armed paramilitaries.

Accusing powerful parties and militias of making a mockery of the demonstrations in 2019, Iraqi activists blame them for the country being mired in dysfunction despite its vast oil wealth and relative peace in recent years.

Sadr's social-political Sadrist Movement has been widely accused of corruption and nepotism that sent Iraq into chaos as the Islamic State took over a third of the country in 2014.

Denying they have mismanaged state institutions and stolen money, Iraq's main Shi'ite leaders share power with large but less influential Sunni and Kurdish parties.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Demanding that parliament be dissolved, influential Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr called for fresh elections in Iraq on Wednesday. Highlighting that he has "no interest" in negotiating with his rivals, Sadr said Iraq has been without a government for nearly 10 months.

Demanding that parliament be dissolved, influential Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr called for fresh elections in Iraq on Wednesday. Highlighting that he has "no interest" in negotiating with his rivals, Sadr said Iraq has been without a government for nearly 10 months. In protest at a rival Shiite faction's nomination for a prime minister, Sadr's supporters occupied parliament for a fifth consecutive day. Taking over the parliament building to prevent his opponents from forming a government, thousands of followers of Sadr stormed Baghdad's Green Zone last week. Calling his moves a coup and demanding his supporters leave parliament, Sadr's rivals then staged Monday's counter-protest outside the Green Zone. Also see | From Sadrist movement to Coordination Framework: Who are Iraq’s competing Shi’ite groups The rival protests a dangerous prospect for Iraq and threatens to drag it into more violence, each side is backed by heavily-armed paramilitaries. Accusing powerful parties and militias of making a mockery of the demonstrations in 2019, Iraqi activists blame them for the country being mired in dysfunction despite its vast oil wealth and relative peace in recent years. Sadr's social-political Sadrist Movement has been widely accused of corruption and nepotism that sent Iraq into chaos as the Islamic State took over a third of the country in 2014. Denying they have mismanaged state institutions and stolen money, Iraq's main Shi'ite leaders share power with large but less influential Sunni and Kurdish parties. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

'Dissolve the parliament': Influential Shiite leader Moqtada Sadr calls for fresh elections in Iraq

After storming Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone in protest at a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister, hundreds of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr danced and sang in parliament Wednesday.

The crowds surged forward and entered parliament even though police fired barrages of tear gas in a bid to stop the protesters from breaching the gates of the heavily fortified Green Zone. Despite soaring global energy prices, oil-rich Iraq has been mired in a political and socioeconomic crisis.

Deadlock persists over the establishment of a new government even though Sadr’s bloc emerged from elections in October as the biggest parliamentary faction.

Chanting, cheering and taking photographs, crowds wandered around the parliament building waving national flags.

Calling on the protesters to “immediately withdraw”, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi warned that the security forces would prevent any harm to order.

In support of the protesters, Sadr wrote on Twitter “Revolution of reform, and rejection of injustice and corruption.”

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Talks to form a new government have stalled since Sadr’s bloc won 73 seats out of total 329 seats in last year’s election.

Hampering reforms needed as the country struggles to recover from decades of conflict, Iraq marked its longest post-election deadlock on Wednesday as infighting among Shi’ite and Kurdish groups in particular prevents the formation of a government.

Bringing the country to a record 290 days without a head of state or cabinet, lawmakers tasked with choosing a president and prime minister looked no closer to an agreement over nine months since an October election.

(With inputs from agencies)

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After storming Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone in protest at a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister, hundreds of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr danced and sang in parliament Wednesday.

After storming Baghdad’s high-security Green Zone in protest at a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister, hundreds of supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr danced and sang in parliament Wednesday. The crowds surged forward and entered parliament even though police fired barrages of tear gas in a bid to stop the protesters from breaching the gates of the heavily fortified Green Zone. Despite soaring global energy prices, oil-rich Iraq has been mired in a political and socioeconomic crisis. Deadlock persists over the establishment of a new government even though Sadr’s bloc emerged from elections in October as the biggest parliamentary faction. Chanting, cheering and taking photographs, crowds wandered around the parliament building waving national flags. Calling on the protesters to “immediately withdraw”, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi warned that the security forces would prevent any harm to order. In support of the protesters, Sadr wrote on Twitter “Revolution of reform, and rejection of injustice and corruption.” pic.twitter.com/1p12ZexLu4 — مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) July 27, 2022 × Talks to form a new government have stalled since Sadr’s bloc won 73 seats out of total 329 seats in last year’s election. Hampering reforms needed as the country struggles to recover from decades of conflict, Iraq marked its longest post-election deadlock on Wednesday as infighting among Shi’ite and Kurdish groups in particular prevents the formation of a government. Bringing the country to a record 290 days without a head of state or cabinet, lawmakers tasked with choosing a president and prime minister looked no closer to an agreement over nine months since an October election. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

Iraq: Supporters of cleric Moqtada Sadr storm parliament in fortified Green Zone

Iraq's bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi's government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline.

Parliament speaker Mohammed Halbusi said that the crunch vote, which had already been delayed last week for lack of a quorum, would now be held on Sunday.

Midnight (2100 GMT) Sunday is the deadline for lawmakers to end a protracted political vacuum and agree on a new government or see President Barham Saleh designate a premier unilaterally.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iraqs-holy-mosque-disinfected-as-sixth-virus-case-reported-283392"> Iraq's holy mosque disinfected as sixth virus case reported</a> 
&nbsp;

Failure to go ahead with the vote could also trigger a call for mass protests from populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose supporters form the largest bloc in parliament and who has demanded that lawmakers approve Allawi's government.

Iraq's current parliament is the most divided in its recent history and Allawi is struggling to secure support from the country's Sunni Arab and Kurdish minorities.

Kurds and Sunnis are also opposed to a non-binding vote passed by parties representing the Shiite majority for the immediate departure of the 5,200 US troops stationed in Iraq.

Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/julian-assanges-uk-extradition-hearing-paused-until-may-283401">Julian Assange's UK extradition hearing paused until May</a>

Iraq has been without a government since Allawi's predecessor Adel Abdel Mahdi quit under pressure from the street two months ago.

Protests have gripped Baghdad and the mainly Shiite south since October, demanding a government of technocrats not beholden to party political or foreign interests to tackle rampant corruption and a failing economy.

Demonstrators have already rejected the choice of Allawi for premier, saying he is too close to the confessional political system they have rallied against for months.

Iraq's bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi's government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline.

Iraq's bitterly divided parliament postponed a vote of confidence in prime minister-designate Mohammad Allawi's government for a second time Saturday, as political wrangling continued ahead of a looming deadline. Parliament speaker Mohammed Halbusi said that the crunch vote, which had already been delayed last week for lack of a quorum, would now be held on Sunday. Midnight (2100 GMT) Sunday is the deadline for lawmakers to end a protracted political vacuum and agree on a new government or see President Barham Saleh designate a premier unilaterally. Also read: Iraq's holy mosque disinfected as sixth virus case reported Failure to go ahead with the vote could also trigger a call for mass protests from populist cleric Moqtada Sadr, whose supporters form the largest bloc in parliament and who has demanded that lawmakers approve Allawi's government. Iraq's current parliament is the most divided in its recent history and Allawi is struggling to secure support from the country's Sunni Arab and Kurdish minorities. Kurds and Sunnis are also opposed to a non-binding vote passed by parties representing the Shiite majority for the immediate departure of the 5,200 US troops stationed in Iraq. Also see: Julian Assange's UK extradition hearing paused until May Iraq has been without a government since Allawi's predecessor Adel Abdel Mahdi quit under pressure from the street two months ago. Protests have gripped Baghdad and the mainly Shiite south since October, demanding a government of technocrats not beholden to party political or foreign interests to tackle rampant corruption and a failing economy. Demonstrators have already rejected the choice of Allawi for premier, saying he is too close to the confessional political system they have rallied against for months.

Iraq parliament postpones confidence vote as deadline looms

Iraqi firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr called on the government to resign as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-surges-to-46-as-iraq-unrest-accelerates-no-magic-solution-says-pm-253737">violence spiked Friday across the country</a> and protesters clashed with police on the fourth day of deadly demonstrations against corruption and unemployment.

The former Shiite militia leader, whose bloc is the biggest in parliament, said in a statement that in order to avoid further deaths "the government should resign and early elections should be held under UN supervision".

He said he could "not keep silent" as Iraqi blood was being shed.

At least 60 people have died over four days of bloody protest across Iraq, the Iraqi Human Rights Commission said late Friday, without specifying how many were civilians or security forces. The previous toll was 44.&nbsp;

The latest figures include 18 deaths registered at a single hospital in the capital Baghdad.&nbsp;

With more than 1,600 people wounded, the toll may rise further.&nbsp;

Friday saw chaotic scenes of protests in Baghdad and other cities with at least 10 people killed, including four -- two police and two civilians -- who security forces said were shot dead by "unidentified snipers".

AFP journalists reported hearing rapid automatic rifle fire across the capital.

Sadr's statement piled new pressure on Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as he battles to quell the unrest.

It came after Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani urged authorities in a midday sermon to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless immediate and clear steps are taken.

In his first speech since protests began Tuesday, the embattled premier appealed for patience from the young unemployed who have formed the mainstay of the protests, saying his not yet year-old government needed more time to implement reforms.

But despite his plea, a curfew and an internet blackout, Iraqis thronged the iconic Tahrir Square on Friday and clashed with the anti-riot police, AFP reporters said.

Security forces opened up with a barrage of gunfire and reporters said they saw several people hit by bullets, some in the head and the stomach.

'We're not infiltrators'

"We're not infiltrators," protesters in the capital shouted, responding to accusations from Iraqi officials that "aggressors" were behind the protests.&nbsp;

Demonstrator Sayyed told AFP the protests would continue "until the government falls".&nbsp;

Protests first broke out in Baghdad on Tuesday and have since spread across the Shiite-dominated south.&nbsp;

They are unusual because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a country where rallies are typically called by politicians or religious figures.

Medical sources say that most of those killed were hit by live rounds but do not specify who was shooting.

The Iraqi human rights commission said wounded protesters were being arrested from hospitals, slamming a heavy-handed approach by security forces.

In the southern city of Diwaniyah, where two people were killed on Friday, AFP reporters said protesters had breached the main gate at the governor's compound and were headed towards the main building.&nbsp;

The back-to-back messages from Sistani and Sadr were a huge blow to Abdel Mahdi's government.&nbsp;

Sistani has repeatedly acted as final arbiter of the politics of Iraq's Shiite community, which dominates the government.

And populist Sadr's Saeroon bloc emerged as the biggest in the Iraqi parliament after May 2018 elections.&nbsp;

His supporters have been at the forefront of most of the larger protests in recent years, including in 2016 when he urged them to storm Baghdad's administrative and diplomatic Green Zone.

Adel Mahdi on Friday asked for more time to implement his reform agenda in a country plagued by corruption and unemployment after decades of conflict.

"There are no magic solutions."

'Lethal force'

In a live television address, parliament speaker Mohammad al-Halboussi assured protesters "your voice is being heard", adding that he was holding meetings with officials to discuss their grievances.

Riot police have unleashed water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire to clear the streets of protesters.

As protests and clashes gained in intensity, many Baghdad shops and petrol stations remained shuttered Friday.

In a residential area near the protest site, crowds gathered to buy vegetables and fruit, with one shopkeeper saying the price of tomatoes, grapes and other greens had risen threefold.

Northern and western provinces that were ravaged in the 2014-2017 war against the Islamist State group have remained relatively quiet.

The United Nations and Amnesty International urged Iraqi authorities to respect the right of peaceful assembly.

"We are worried by reports that security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets in some areas, and have also fired tear gas canisters directly at protesters," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, told reporters in Geneva.

Amnesty International's Middle East research director Lynn Maalouf condemned the use of "lethal and unnecessary force".

An internet blackout was a "draconian measure... to silence protests away from cameras and the world's eyes", she added.

Iraqi firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr called on the government to resign as violence spiked Friday across the country and protesters clashed with police on the fourth day of deadly demonstrations against corruption and unemployment.

Iraqi firebrand cleric Moqtada Sadr called on the government to resign as violence spiked Friday across the country and protesters clashed with police on the fourth day of deadly demonstrations against corruption and unemployment. The former Shiite militia leader, whose bloc is the biggest in parliament, said in a statement that in order to avoid further deaths "the government should resign and early elections should be held under UN supervision". He said he could "not keep silent" as Iraqi blood was being shed. At least 60 people have died over four days of bloody protest across Iraq, the Iraqi Human Rights Commission said late Friday, without specifying how many were civilians or security forces. The previous toll was 44. The latest figures include 18 deaths registered at a single hospital in the capital Baghdad. With more than 1,600 people wounded, the toll may rise further. Friday saw chaotic scenes of protests in Baghdad and other cities with at least 10 people killed, including four -- two police and two civilians -- who security forces said were shot dead by "unidentified snipers". AFP journalists reported hearing rapid automatic rifle fire across the capital. Sadr's statement piled new pressure on Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi as he battles to quell the unrest. It came after Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani urged authorities in a midday sermon to heed the demands of demonstrators, warning the protests could escalate unless immediate and clear steps are taken. In his first speech since protests began Tuesday, the embattled premier appealed for patience from the young unemployed who have formed the mainstay of the protests, saying his not yet year-old government needed more time to implement reforms. But despite his plea, a curfew and an internet blackout, Iraqis thronged the iconic Tahrir Square on Friday and clashed with the anti-riot police, AFP reporters said. Security forces opened up with a barrage of gunfire and reporters said they saw several people hit by bullets, some in the head and the stomach. 'We're not infiltrators' "We're not infiltrators," protesters in the capital shouted, responding to accusations from Iraqi officials that "aggressors" were behind the protests. Demonstrator Sayyed told AFP the protests would continue "until the government falls". Protests first broke out in Baghdad on Tuesday and have since spread across the Shiite-dominated south. They are unusual because of their apparent spontaneity and independence in a country where rallies are typically called by politicians or religious figures. Medical sources say that most of those killed were hit by live rounds but do not specify who was shooting. The Iraqi human rights commission said wounded protesters were being arrested from hospitals, slamming a heavy-handed approach by security forces. In the southern city of Diwaniyah, where two people were killed on Friday, AFP reporters said protesters had breached the main gate at the governor's compound and were headed towards the main building. The back-to-back messages from Sistani and Sadr were a huge blow to Abdel Mahdi's government. Sistani has repeatedly acted as final arbiter of the politics of Iraq's Shiite community, which dominates the government. And populist Sadr's Saeroon bloc emerged as the biggest in the Iraqi parliament after May 2018 elections. His supporters have been at the forefront of most of the larger protests in recent years, including in 2016 when he urged them to storm Baghdad's administrative and diplomatic Green Zone. Adel Mahdi on Friday asked for more time to implement his reform agenda in a country plagued by corruption and unemployment after decades of conflict. "There are no magic solutions." 'Lethal force' In a live television address, parliament speaker Mohammad al-Halboussi assured protesters "your voice is being heard", adding that he was holding meetings with officials to discuss their grievances. Riot police have unleashed water cannons, tear gas, rubber bullets and live fire to clear the streets of protesters. As protests and clashes gained in intensity, many Baghdad shops and petrol stations remained shuttered Friday. In a residential area near the protest site, crowds gathered to buy vegetables and fruit, with one shopkeeper saying the price of tomatoes, grapes and other greens had risen threefold. Northern and western provinces that were ravaged in the 2014-2017 war against the Islamist State group have remained relatively quiet. The United Nations and Amnesty International urged Iraqi authorities to respect the right of peaceful assembly. "We are worried by reports that security forces have used live ammunition and rubber bullets in some areas, and have also fired tear gas canisters directly at protesters," Marta Hurtado, spokeswoman for the UN human rights office, told reporters in Geneva. Amnesty International's Middle East research director Lynn Maalouf condemned the use of "lethal and unnecessary force". An internet blackout was a "draconian measure... to silence protests away from cameras and the world's eyes", she added.

Iraq protest: At least 60 people die; cleric Sadr demands government resign

A fire ripped through Iraq's biggest ballot warehouse on Sunday ahead of a vote recount prompted by allegations of fraud during legislative elections that saw a surprise victory for a populist cleric.

A senior security official said the fire broke out in a warehouse located in Al-Russafa, one of the largest voting districts in eastern Baghdad.

Around 60 per cent of Baghdad's two million eligible voters had cast their ballots in the May election in Al-Russafa district.

A column of black smoke billowed from the warehouse, normally used to store foodstuff, and could be seen across the capital.

Two hours after the blaze erupted firefighters, backed by 10 trucks, were still struggling to put out the fire as warehouse staff ran out of the building carrying blue and white plastic ballot boxes, an AFP reporter said.

The cause of the blaze was not immediately known.

It comes as Iraq prepares for a manual recount of around 10 million votes, following allegations of fraud during the May 12 legislative polls.

The vote was won by populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's electoral alliance with communists, with long-time political figures pushed out by Iraqis voters hoping for change in a country mired in conflict and corruption.

But the result was contested following allegations of fraud namely by the veteran politicians led by parliamentary speaker Salim al-Juburi.

The recount was ordered by parliament on Wednesday at all polling stations, although no timetable has been announced.

According to intelligence services, tests of electronic voting machines -- used for the first time in Iraqi elections -- produced varied results, appearing to give credence to the fraud claims.

Most ballot boxes preserved

An electoral commission official and a spokesman for the interior ministry suggested that Sunday's fire did not damage ballot boxes.

"The room where voting machines and other election equipment were stored was destroyed by the fire," Imed Jamil, an electoral commission official for Al-Russafa, told AFP.

"The ballot boxes were stored in another room," he said, adding that the fire would not affect the recount.

Interior ministry spokesman General Saad Maan echoed him during a visit to the scene to the warehouse where the blaze was raging.

"Election material, including maybe ballot boxes, were burned but most of the ballot boxes were stored in another building and have been preserved," Maan told reporters.

Last month's election saw a record number of abstentions as Iraqis snubbed the corruption-tainted elite who have dominated the country since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Less than half of Iraq's 24-million electorate took part, dumping the old guard in favour of Sadr's alliance followed by a list of former fighters of the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance that last year played a key role in the defeat of the Islamic State group.

But the old guard, dumped by Iraqi voters, have clamoured for a recount, although experts say it is unlikely to produce a major change in the number of seats won by their rival lists.

On Wednesday, Iraq's outgoing parliament also sacked the nine-member independent commission which oversaw the polls, and on Sunday they were replaced by nine judges who would supervise the recount.

The previous week parliament had already voted to annul the ballots of displaced Iraqis and those living abroad, although they accounted for only a small fraction of the overall vote.

A senior security official said the fire broke out in a warehouse located in Al-Russafa, one of the largest voting districts in eastern Baghdad

A fire ripped through Iraq's biggest ballot warehouse on Sunday ahead of a vote recount prompted by allegations of fraud during legislative elections that saw a surprise victory for a populist cleric. A senior security official said the fire broke out in a warehouse located in Al-Russafa, one of the largest voting districts in eastern Baghdad. Around 60 per cent of Baghdad's two million eligible voters had cast their ballots in the May election in Al-Russafa district. A column of black smoke billowed from the warehouse, normally used to store foodstuff, and could be seen across the capital. Two hours after the blaze erupted firefighters, backed by 10 trucks, were still struggling to put out the fire as warehouse staff ran out of the building carrying blue and white plastic ballot boxes, an AFP reporter said. The cause of the blaze was not immediately known. It comes as Iraq prepares for a manual recount of around 10 million votes, following allegations of fraud during the May 12 legislative polls. The vote was won by populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's electoral alliance with communists, with long-time political figures pushed out by Iraqis voters hoping for change in a country mired in conflict and corruption. But the result was contested following allegations of fraud namely by the veteran politicians led by parliamentary speaker Salim al-Juburi. The recount was ordered by parliament on Wednesday at all polling stations, although no timetable has been announced. According to intelligence services, tests of electronic voting machines -- used for the first time in Iraqi elections -- produced varied results, appearing to give credence to the fraud claims. Most ballot boxes preserved An electoral commission official and a spokesman for the interior ministry suggested that Sunday's fire did not damage ballot boxes. "The room where voting machines and other election equipment were stored was destroyed by the fire," Imed Jamil, an electoral commission official for Al-Russafa, told AFP. "The ballot boxes were stored in another room," he said, adding that the fire would not affect the recount. Interior ministry spokesman General Saad Maan echoed him during a visit to the scene to the warehouse where the blaze was raging. "Election material, including maybe ballot boxes, were burned but most of the ballot boxes were stored in another building and have been preserved," Maan told reporters. Last month's election saw a record number of abstentions as Iraqis snubbed the corruption-tainted elite who have dominated the country since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Less than half of Iraq's 24-million electorate took part, dumping the old guard in favour of Sadr's alliance followed by a list of former fighters of the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance that last year played a key role in the defeat of the Islamic State group. But the old guard, dumped by Iraqi voters, have clamoured for a recount, although experts say it is unlikely to produce a major change in the number of seats won by their rival lists. On Wednesday, Iraq's outgoing parliament also sacked the nine-member independent commission which oversaw the polls, and on Sunday they were replaced by nine judges who would supervise the recount. The previous week parliament had already voted to annul the ballots of displaced Iraqis and those living abroad, although they accounted for only a small fraction of the overall vote.

Watch: Fire hits Iraq's biggest ballot warehouse before recount

Iraq's parliament Wednesday ordered a manual recount of the May 12 legislative elections and sacked the commission which oversaw the polls that resulted in a surprise victory for a populist Shiite cleric.

After several failed attempts because of a lack of quorum, outgoing MPs met to order a recount at all polling stations, covering almost 11 million votes, in response to charges of electoral fraud.

The nine-member independent commission was dismissed and is to be replaced by judges.

Confusion has gripped Iraq since the vote won by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's electoral alliance with communists, even with negotiations to form a new government underway.

Since last month's victory of anti-establishment electoral lists for a four-year mandate, long-time political figures pushed out by Iraqi voters hoping for change have been calling for a recount.

According to intelligence services, tests of electronic voting machines -- used for the first time in Iraqi elections -- produced varied results, appearing to give credence to the fraud claims.

Parliament already decided last week to annul the ballots of displaced Iraqis and those living abroad, although they accounted for only a small fraction of the overall vote.

The election saw a record number of abstentions as Iraqis snubbed the corruption-tainted elite that has dominated the country since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Many of Iraq's longtime political figures -- seemingly irremovable since the dictator's fall -- were pushed out of their seats by new faces.&nbsp;

It is their voices -- with parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi leading the charge -- that have been the loudest in challenging the poll results.

Less than half of Iraq's 24-million electorate took part, dumping the old guard in favour of Sadr's alliance followed by a list of former fighters of the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance that last year played a key role in the defeat of the Islamic State group.

Once the first results came in, the United States and Iran, the two major political players in Iraq, both sent senior envoys to Baghdad to lobby on the make-up of the new government following the most open results since Iraq's first multi-party elections in 2005.

Major change unlikely

The recount is unlikely to produce a major change in the number of seats won by the rival lists, according to experts on Iraqi politics, but rather modify the rankings of candidates within the same lists. &nbsp;

The presidency endorsed parliament's decision on a recount, for which no timetable has been announced.

The outgoing government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi could be asked to stay on in a caretaker capacity, political analyst Essam al-Fili told AFP.

He said such a scenario would "generate political tensions which could lead to other consequences", especially in a country where several political formations are affiliated to fighting forces.

It is in the multi-ethnic, oil-rich northern province of Kirkuk that the challenge to the election results has been the strongest -- and the most potentially explosive.

Kirkuk's ethnically mixed population -- majority Kurdish but with sizeable Arab and Turkmen minorities -- pushed Iraqi authorities to impose a curfew on the night of the results.

Outgoing MPs met to order a recount at all polling stations, covering almost 11 million votes, in response to charges of electoral fraud

Iraq's parliament Wednesday ordered a manual recount of the May 12 legislative elections and sacked the commission which oversaw the polls that resulted in a surprise victory for a populist Shiite cleric. After several failed attempts because of a lack of quorum, outgoing MPs met to order a recount at all polling stations, covering almost 11 million votes, in response to charges of electoral fraud. The nine-member independent commission was dismissed and is to be replaced by judges. Confusion has gripped Iraq since the vote won by Shiite cleric Moqtada Sadr's electoral alliance with communists, even with negotiations to form a new government underway. Since last month's victory of anti-establishment electoral lists for a four-year mandate, long-time political figures pushed out by Iraqi voters hoping for change have been calling for a recount. According to intelligence services, tests of electronic voting machines -- used for the first time in Iraqi elections -- produced varied results, appearing to give credence to the fraud claims. Parliament already decided last week to annul the ballots of displaced Iraqis and those living abroad, although they accounted for only a small fraction of the overall vote. The election saw a record number of abstentions as Iraqis snubbed the corruption-tainted elite that has dominated the country since the 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. Many of Iraq's longtime political figures -- seemingly irremovable since the dictator's fall -- were pushed out of their seats by new faces. It is their voices -- with parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi leading the charge -- that have been the loudest in challenging the poll results. Less than half of Iraq's 24-million electorate took part, dumping the old guard in favour of Sadr's alliance followed by a list of former fighters of the Hashed al-Shaabi alliance that last year played a key role in the defeat of the Islamic State group. Once the first results came in, the United States and Iran, the two major political players in Iraq, both sent senior envoys to Baghdad to lobby on the make-up of the new government following the most open results since Iraq's first multi-party elections in 2005. Major change unlikely The recount is unlikely to produce a major change in the number of seats won by the rival lists, according to experts on Iraqi politics, but rather modify the rankings of candidates within the same lists. The presidency endorsed parliament's decision on a recount, for which no timetable has been announced. The outgoing government of Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi could be asked to stay on in a caretaker capacity, political analyst Essam al-Fili told AFP. He said such a scenario would "generate political tensions which could lead to other consequences", especially in a country where several political formations are affiliated to fighting forces. It is in the multi-ethnic, oil-rich northern province of Kirkuk that the challenge to the election results has been the strongest -- and the most potentially explosive. Kirkuk's ethnically mixed population -- majority Kurdish but with sizeable Arab and Turkmen minorities -- pushed Iraqi authorities to impose a curfew on the night of the results.

Iraq parliament orders full election recount

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