Iraqi MPs fail to agree on election law

No agreement has been reached on new electoral law due to stalemate over Kirkuk province.

BAGHDAD - Iraqi MPs failed Wednesday to agree on a new electoral law intended to establish more transparency for polls due in January because of a stalemate over the oil-rich province of Kirkuk.

Parliamentary speaker Iyad al-Samarrai told reporters the issue had been referred to a senior political council made up of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, President Jalal Talabani and the leaders of major political parties.

"The issue has failed and has been moved on to the Political Council for National Security," said Samarrai, adding lawmakers would vote on it on Monday if the council made a proposal by Sunday.

US President Barack Obama on Tuesday urged Iraq's parliament to end delays and pass the law so that the elections can take place on time in January.

Source: Middle East Online.
Link: http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=35139.