Time running out for Iraqi lawmakers to pass election law

0 Comments | AFP, September, 2008

BAGHDAD (AFP) — Iraq has enough time to hold provincial elections this year but only if the nation's lawmakers wrap up a controversial law in the next two weeks, an electoral commission official said Monday.

"It normally takes 128 days to organize the ballot but by making a huge effort we could get it done in 105 days," the commission member, who wished to remain anonymous, told AFP.

"It is therefore necessary that the law be adopted no later than September 15 for voting to take place before December 31."

Iraq, a nation of around 26 million, had been due to go to the polls on October 1 but the long-awaited legislation to govern the ballot has faced repeated delays over the political handling of the disputed northern oil province of Kirkuk.

Iraqi MPs...