- Iraq currently has no functioning government after March elections failed to produce a majority.
- 306 political entities were set to contend 325 seats.
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- The largely Sunni Al-Iraqiya coalition won the most seats, taking home 91, ahead of State of Law's 89.
- Prime Minister Nuri Al-Malik, of the Shia Dawa party (part of State of Law), was the last prime minister and remains in a de-facto, interim role, heading a 36 minister cabinet.
- After the March poll, State of Law formed a 'super Shia' bloc with the Iraqi National Alliance – but still falls short of a majority.
- Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, has been the President of Iraq since 2005.
- Around 18 million Iraqis - of 30 million citizens – are registered to vote.
- Unlike 2005, major Sunni parties took part in the 2010 election, a major boost to legitimacy at home and abroad.
- There are 325 seats in Iraq's Council of Representatives – Increased from 274 in 2009 to reflect the Iraqi constitution's statement that there should be one seat for every 100,000 people.
- Iraqi MPs serve four year terms, and there's no limit on how often they can be reelected.
- Minority seats – Five are held for Christians. Similar provisions are in place for Yezidi, Shabak, and Sabean Mandean candidates.
