Iraq’s parliament delays presidential vote again amid US pressure
In Iraq, by convention, a Shiite Muslim is prime minister, the parliament speaker is a Sunni and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd
Iraq’s parliament has again postponed the election of the country’s new president, state media reported on Sunday, amid intense political horse-trading and US pressure over the new prime minister.
It was the second time parliament has delayed the presidential vote, which had first been due last week.
A journalist in the parliament said the required quorum was not reached on Sunday.
The vote was therefore delayed, according to the official INA press agency, which did not say whether a new date had been agreed.
The parliament’s media office said the speaker will now meet the heads of party blocs to set a final date.
By convention, a Shiite Muslim holds the powerful post of prime minister, the parliament speaker is a Sunni and the largely ceremonial presidency goes to a Kurd.
The two main Kurdish parties have yet to settle on a presidential candidate, and the largest Shiite alliance – despite backing Nouri al-Maliki for next premier – faces US threats to end all support for Iraq if he takes up the post.