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Wed 03 Mar 2010Iraqi secular alliance takes slim lead over Maliki bloc
YESTERDAY EVENING, for the first time, the secular alliance led by former Iraqi premier Iyad Allawi secured a slender lead over the Shia sectarian bloc headed by incumbent Nuri al-Maliki, who was trailing in the count by 9,000 votes.
Analysts predicted Mr Allawi’s position could strengthen when overseas votes are factored into the total. But nothing is certain as the balance of advantage could shift back and forth before the final result is declared.
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