Iraqi officials study delayed election date

Baghdad: An Iraqi election official says discussions are under way to set a new date for the country`s Parliamentary Elections.
The elections had been scheduled for January 16, but officials are now studying at least a six-week delay until late February or early March. Iraqi lawmakers finally approved rules for the election late Sunday after weeks of stalemate.

A senior election commission official, Qassim al-Aboudi, says February 27 elections appear to have the most support after Monday`s discussions. But later dates are still on the table.

The next step is for the president`s office to decide on the new date. There are worries that the delayed voting could complicate the withdrawal timetable for US forces.

Bureau Report