Abadi said he will seek to form a cross-sectarian block called ''the victory alliance'' to contest the parliamentary elections, with candidates from other communities.

According to Reuters Abadi took over the premiership in 2014 from Nuri al-Maliki who was widely criticized by Iraqi politicians for the army's collapse as Islamic State militants swept through a third of Iraq.

Maliki, who heads the Shi'ite Dawa party, announced on Saturday he will be running in the elections.

Abadi is a Dawa member but he didn't secure Maliki's endorsement for his candidacy. Maliki said on Saturday Dawa supporters will be free to choose between his alliance, called ''state of law'', and Abadi's ''victory alliance.''

Abadi is credited for quickly rebuilding the army and defeating Islamic State in its main Iraqi stronghold, Mosul, last July.

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