At least 163 seats are needed to form a government . Unofficial election called by radical Shiite leader Muqtada al - Sadr . He wanted his followers to designate a prime minister of their choosing . Ibrahim al - Sabah won 24 percent of the votes in last week 's election . The Shia play no official role in deciding who rules Iraq .
Unofficial election called by radical Shiite leader Muqtada al - Sadr . He wanted his followers to designate a prime minister of their choosing . Ibrahim al - Sabah won 24 percent of the votes in last week 's election . The Shia play no official role in deciding who rules Iraq .