In interviews, militia leaders, especially those from Shiite parties, are proposing that their soldiers help provide security on election day.

Absent, too, were representatives from the two main Shiite political parties, who represent the country's largest single group.

He leads a powerful Shiite party with close ties to Iran.

Almost immediately, cabinet ministers from the group and the other main Shiite party resigned.

There is also tension between religious and secular Shiite parties.

Those results show Shiite parties leading by huge margins.

Now, three years later, it is being pulled apart by Shiite political parties that want to control the region and its biggest prize, oil.

They've been moving large amounts of money, weapons, and people to various Shiite parties and factions.

Cabinet ministers from the group and the other main Shiite party resigned within hours.

The move, the former officials said, was an attempt by Shiite parties to strengthen their grip on the ministry before the new government is assembled.