Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and Vice President Nouri al-Maliki are set to participate in the upcoming Iraqi general elections on two different lists after a reported meeting between the two on Saturday.

 

A statement read that Abadi will form a coalition for the elections called Nasr and Islah, meaning Victory and Reform in Arabic, while Maliki will head a coalition under the title “State of Law”.

 

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Iraqi laws do not allow members of the armed forces, including the Shiite Popular Mobilization Unit (PMU) militias to run for elections. An exception is made if members first quit their armed role and disarm.

 

Maliki is the head of Dawa Party, the backbone of the ruling Shiite National alliance that includes almost all prominent Iraqi Shiite parties.