Supporters of Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani held celebrations in Baghdad Wednesday, shortly after preliminary election results were announced suggesting a win for the leader.

Hundreds of supporters drove their cars and motorbikes to Tahrir Square and started dancing and celebrating by the Freedom Monument in the heart of the Iraqi capital.

"We are happy for his excellency Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani's win. He is the number one in Iraq, not only Baghdad," said Hamid Hemid, a Baghdad resident.

The Iraqi prime minister’s bloc won 18 seats in Baghdad, ahead of all other blocs according to the preliminary results announced by the Independent High Electoral Commission.

The turnout rate for the Iraqi parliamentary elections was 56 percent, said the commission.

AP video shot by Ali Jabar