Political party of Iraqi PM says at least 750,000 Iraqi votes in question

Maliki’s bloc says 750,000 Iraqi votes in question

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s political bloc says its investigation into the March 7 parliamentary election has thrown some 750,000 votes into question.

Al-Maliki’s State of Law alliance came in second by just two seats in the nationwide vote, which produced no clear winner. He has refused to accept the results and demanded a recount.

Sunday’s announcement during a news conference in Baghdad would likely tighten the country’s political deadlock. The top vote-getter was the Iraqiya list of former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, which drew on heavy Sunni support.

But neither side got enough seats to govern alone, so they are struggling to cobble together a ruling coalition.