Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is battling for a third term in office but faces fierce opposition from political opponents , with sectarian violence at its most intense in more than five years . Iraq holds nationwide vote on Wednesday , first since U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011 . Runup to polls has been violent , with election centers attacked this week . Comment: Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is battling for a third term in office .
Iraq holds nationwide vote on Wednesday , first since U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011 . Runup to polls has been violent , with election centers attacked this week . Comment: Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is battling for a third term in office .