**Iraqi PM Nouri Maliki’s coalition leads the election count in the key region of Baghdad, latest preliminary results from the electoral commission show.**Baghdad is an important battle ground, returning 68 seats for the 325-member parliament.
On Friday, the commission said Mr Maliki’s State of Law bloc was leading in two Shia provinces south of Baghdad.
It said Mr Maliki’s main rival, Iyad Allawi, was ahead in two provinces to the north of the capital.
Final results for all 18 provinces are not expected for a fortnight.