The Iraqi prime minister's coalition has accused an election official of manipulating vote counts and called for a recount.

It's the latest charge to mar the March 7 parliamentary election, already plagued by a chaotic and slow tally process and fraud allegations.

Nouri al-Maliki's bloc has a narrow lead in a tight race, according to partial results that have been released.

Ali al-Adeeb, a candidate on al-Maliki's slate, said Tuesday the complaint was sent to the Independent High Electoral Commission and U.N. advisers.

He says the coalition wants a recount because an official in charge of counting ballots has been doctoring the numbers.

The electoral commission says it received the complaint but opening an investigation would require evidence.