A record-low voter turnout and the emergence of a nationalist Shiite cleric as potential kingmaker in last week's parliamentary poll highlighted the frustration of ordinary Iraqis with the ruling elite and the glaring failure of an energy superpower to provide its people with even basic services. Moqtada al-Sadr has railed against both the failings of Iraq's political class and the interference of external actors. His surprise electoral success raises hope that the next government will confront head-on the corruption and lack of development that have plagued the country.
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