Iraqi PM in narrow lead in partial election tally

Iraq's prime minister edged ahead in a tight race in the country's parliamentary elections Sunday after partial results from all of 18 provinces showed his bloc leading in seven provinces - two more than his chief rival.

The tally strengthens Nouri al-Maliki's chances of retaining the prime minister's post, although he is unlikely to win a majority that would allow him rule alone. Instead, the narrow race could lead to months of political wrangling as leaders try to cobble together a coalition government that will rule as American forces leave Iraq in 2011. (AP)