Iraqi lawmakers seek compromise on election law dispute, delay key vote until Sunday

Iraqi lawmakers delay vote on election law dispute

BAGHDAD — Iraqi lawmakers are seeking a compromise in a dispute over an election law that was vetoed by a vice president, throwing national polls slated for January into question.

Parliament had planned to vote Saturday on the issue, but delayed the proceedings until Sunday while lawmakers search for a solution acceptable to all political blocs.

Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi vetoed the legislation earlier this week. He wants more seats allocated for Iraqis living abroad, most of whom are Sunni Arabs like him.

Lawmakers have the option of sending the same law back to the presidency council — where it is likely to be vetoed again — or amending it to address al-Hashemi’s concerns.

Parliament can override a second veto with a three-fifths majority.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraq’s parliament is discussing ways to end a dispute over an election law after a vice president vetoed the bill, throwing national polls slated for January into question.

Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi vetoed the legislation earlier this week. He wants more votes allocated for Iraqis living abroad, most of whom are Sunnis like him.

Lawmakers plan to vote Saturday on whether to send the same law back to the presidency council — where it is likely to be vetoed again — or to amend the bill to address al-Hashemi’s concerns.

Parliament can override a second veto with a three-fifths majority.

The U.S. has tied the pace of its troop withdrawal to the vote, but says the schedule is on track for now.