Former Iraqi prime minister Iyad Allawi warned Saturday of Iraq dismantling if Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki decided to run for a third term.
He called on al-Maliki to give up his bid, Sky News Arabia reported.
"I think it is time for Maliki to leave the scene", Allawi said.
"If he stays on, I think there will be significant problems in the country and a lot of troubles. I believe that Iraq would go the route of dismemberment, ultimately, if this happens".
"Definitely there will be more violence, the security situation will deteriorate," added Allawi.
Allawi said Iraq needed a road map that prioritized reconciliation and the building of institutions, and that this was more important than the issue of who would be the next prime minister.