Iraqi official: deal reached on election

[demoleft]

Source: ap

BAGHDAD – Iraqi leaders reached agreement Sunday to clear the way for parliament elections early next year that are seen as an important step toward political reconciliation and easing the withdrawal of U.S. troops, an official said.

The framework of the deal was reached after being mired for weeks over demands for greater political voice for minority Sunnis and the distribution of seats in Iraq's expanded 325-seat parliament in next year's election, said Omar al-Mishhadani, the spokesman for Parliament Speaker Ayad al-Samarie.

The accord needed final approval from parliament, which was meeting in an emergency late-night session to vote on the deal, state television reported. But no objections are expected from lawmakers since party bosses have backed the agreement.

The pact must receive final approval from lawmakers. But no objections are expected since party bosses have backed the main points of the agreement.


Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091206/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iraq

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Passed unanimously by the parliament

Iraq's parliament has unanimously approved a new electoral law, paving the way for elections early next year.

Parliamentarians were called to vote in a special late-night session to try to end a political crisis, and they voted minutes before the midnight deadline.

The deputy speaker of parliament said an election should take place on 27 February, but it was unclear if this would be possible.

The new law is said to have been brokered by the UN and the US embassy.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8398377.stm

[SpartanDem]

2. Glad to see this breakthrough

as the start of our withdrawal is tied to this election.

[No Elephants]

3. K & R. Don't know if I have faith in the process or the future election, but I'm for any excuse to

FINALLY get out.