Iraq election contest tight

Early results from Iraq\'s election suggest a tight contest may be developing between Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and his main rival Iyad Allawi.



Maliki leads in two Shia provinces south of Baghdad while Allawi is in the lead in two provinces to the north.



The BBC reports that both men were expected to do well in those places and many votes are still to be counted.



However, there have been complaints about the count and some claims of fraud.



The partial results from the Independent High Electoral Commission come four days after balloting.



Final results for all 18 provinces are not expected before another two weeks.