Supporters of pro-Iran cleric announce 'sit-in until further notice'; 1 civil servant says he's protesting 'corrupt and incapable government' and will 'sleep here' if needed

Mixed election results raise tensions among Iraqi Shiite factions, potentially further complicating challenge of balancing alliances with adversaries Tehran and Washington

Early results from Sunday vote show deepening rifts between parties representing Iraq's Shiite Muslim majority, which have dominated local politics in recent years

Country closes airspace and land border crossings as voters head out to elect a parliament many hope will deliver much-needed reforms after decades of conflict and mismanagement

Sunday's vote comes as powerful paramilitary groups threaten the authority of the state and hundreds of thousands are still displaced from years of war against IS

Vote billed as concession to anti-government protesters, but many activists plan to shun it, citing distrust in officials' promises of reform

Political groups with deep ties to Islamic Republic have formed powerful blocs in parliament, as many worry Tehran's influence is becoming too strong

Hundreds already dead in crackdown against growing protests over rampant corruption and clientelism; UN calls for 'maximum restraint,' including no use of live ammunition