THE political coalition of an influential Shiite cleric has taken an early lead in Iraq’s national elections, according to partial returns announced by the Iraqi electoral commission.

The tallies put Muqtada al-Sadr on top with the highest popular vote, followed by an alliance of candidates linked to Iraq’s powerful Shiite paramilitary groups.

The alliance is headed by Hadi al-Amiri, a former minister of transport with close ties to Iran who became a senior commander of paramilitary fighters in the fight against the Daesh extremist group.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi performed poorly across majority Shiite provinces that should have been his base of support.

The announcement came just over 24 hours after polls closed across the country amid a record low voter turnout.

It included full returns from only 10 of the country’s 19 provinces, including the provinces of Baghdad and Basra.

Seats in parliament will be allocated proportionately to coalitions once all votes are counted. The commission gave no indication on when further results would be announced.

Any political party or alliance must gain a majority of Iraq’s 329 seats in parliament to be able to choose a prime minister and form a government.

Until a new prime minister is chosen, al-Abadi will remain in office, retaining all his power.