Iraq's prime minister says he will lead a "cross-sectarian" list in national elections proposed for May, hoping to build off last year's victory against the Islamic State group. Haider al-Abadi, who comes from Iraq's Shiite majority, assumed office in 2014, weeks after IS stormed across northern and central Iraq. Since then, Iraqi forces backed by a U.S.-led coalition have gradually retaken all the territory once held by the Sunni extremists. Iraq's Cabinet has proposed elections for May 12, a date that awaits final parliamentary approval. The U.N. mission to Iraq said the election commission faces "significant challenges" but would be able to "deliver a timely, fair and transparent national election."

Source: ABC News January 14, 2018 06:43 UTC