AP - Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's political coalition took an early vote lead Saturday in the election's all-important battleground of Baghdad, pulling away from its two closest rivals in the latest indication that Iraqis want a moderate government instead of Shiite religious hard-liners leading the postwar nation.

AFP - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's bid to retain his job gained steam on Saturday as early results put him ahead in the capital, while rival blocs began jostling over the formation of a government.

Reuters - Shi'ite Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki held a wide lead on Saturday in early results from Baghdad, the major prize in a tight election race that Iraqis hope will bring stability after years of sectarian conflict.

AFP - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki on Saturday comfortably emerged as the top vote getter in Baghdad, which has the most seats in parliament of any constituency, early results showed.

AFP - European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton will next week be urged to lodge a formal protest over "widespread fraud" during the Iraqi election count.