Iraq 's first nationwide polls since the withdrawal of U.S. forces at the end of 2011 . Iraq holds nationwide vote on independence , first since U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011 . Opposition to polls has been violent , with election centers attacked this week . Iraq has been beset with political and sectarian violence for months . Prime Minister Nuri al - Maliki is running for a third term in office .
Iraq holds nationwide vote on independence , first since U.S. troop withdrawal in 2011 . Opposition to polls has been violent , with election centers attacked this week . Iraq has been beset with political and sectarian violence for months . Prime Minister Nuri al - Maliki is running for a third term in office .