BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki appeared likely to win a second term, breaking an eight-month deadlock over a new government, after winning support on Wednesday from members of the main factions. Politicians from Shia-led, Sunni-backed and Kurdish factions said they were ready to support Maliki when parliament meets on Thursday, and to take part in his government even if some members of the cross-sectarian Iraqiya alliance, including its leader former premier Iyad Allawi, refused to join. Iraq has been without a new government since an inconclusive election on March 7 which gave Sunni-backed Iraqiya two more seats than Malikis bloc. Neither had enough seats for a majority in parliament, leaving Shia, Sunni and Kurdish factions to negotiate a government. Kadhim al-Shimari, a member of a bloc within Iraqiya, said on Wednesday his group, with more than 30 seats, would support Malikis bid to speed up formation of a new government. We will join the parliament session and support the nomination of Maliki to form the government, he told Reuters. The issue of forming a new government cannot be delayed any more. The long impasse has fueled tensions even though the sectarian carnage unleashed after the 2003 US-led invasion is receding and while US forces prepare to withdraw in 2011. TOP JOBS Other politicians from Malikis Shia merger, the National Alliance, said they were going ahead with government formation as long as they had a political majority and even if other blocs chose to boycott the parliamentary session. We do not imagine a government that does not represent all Iraqs factions ... but the government does not and will not stop, God forbid, if a list stays behind, Ibrahim al-Jaafari, a senior member of the National Alliance, told a news conference. Iraqi political leaders began a series of talks on Monday to try to agree on a government of national unity that would include Shias, Sunnis and Kurds. Their last meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, where they were expected to reach a final deal on the top posts before a parliamentary session on Thursday. It was unclear if Allawi would attend Wednesdays meeting after he stayed away from the gathering the night before, raising speculations of a rift within Iraqiya. Other senior leaders from the Sunni-backed bloc could join with Maliki after securing posts for themselves and dump Allawi, who is still clinging to hopes for the presidency, sources said. The next government needs a component representing the minority Sunnis if it is to try to heal old sectarian wounds. Excluding Iraqiya could anger its Sunni voters and reinvigorate the Sunni insurgency. Under an expected deal, Maliki would remain Prime Minister and Jalal Talabani, a Kurd, would retain the presidency. Iraqiya could be offered the speakers post, the foreign ministry and a role with possibly expanded authority over defence issues, the economy and foreign affairs.