Maliki takes early Iraq poll lead

**Preliminary results from Iraq’s election show the grouping of PM Nouri Maliki is leading in two southern provinces, the electoral body says.**The partial results from Najaf and Babil, in the Shia south, are the first released - four days after balloting.

Full initial results, which will be made public when 30% of the ballots are counted, could be released later by the Independent High Electoral Commission.

Final results for all 18 provinces are not expected for a fortnight.

Looks like Western style electioneering is slowly getting a foothold in Iraq.

Who knows, iraqis may be able to pull off the miracle of peace and stability.