Iraqis last voted on October 10, 2021 in a general election brought forward by a wave of mass protests against endemic corruption, rampant unemployment and decaying infrastructure.Ahead of Halbussi's announcement, the United Nations mission had urged political factions to end the deadlock, warning that "Iraq is running out of time".On the other sits the Coordination Framework, an alliance of pro-Iran Shiite factions including former paramilitaries, that wants a new government before fresh elections are held.Tensions last boiled over on August 29 when more than 30 Sadr supporters were killed in clashes with Iran-backed factions and the army in Baghdad's Green Zone, the capital's fortified government and diplomatic district.Iraq has raked in huge revenues from energy exports this year, and the central bank is holding a colossal $87 billion in foreign exchange reserves."