It was Iraq 's first nationwide election since the 2011 withdrawal of US troops . Iraq has battled sectarian violence for months . Prime Minister Omar al - Maliki 's party wins but falls short of majority .
It was Iraq 's first nationwide vote since the 2011 withdrawal of U.S. forces . Iraq has battled sectarian violence for months . Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki 's party wins but falls short of majority .