Iraq parliament session postponed

Political deadlock continues as rival blocs fail to agree on parliamentary speaker.

Iraq election counting
Iraq has been plagued by political uncertainty since the March polls did not produce a clear winner [AFP]

The first attempt to hold a parliamentary session, on June 14, was adjourned after only 20 minutes.

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The country’s main political groups have been unable to strike a coalition deal.

The Iraqiya bloc, led by Iyad Allawi, a former prime minister, finished first in the election with 91 seats, followed closely by the State of Law alliance, led by Nouri al-Maliki, the incumbent prime minister, with 89.

The Iraqi National Alliance, a group of Shia Muslim parties, finished third with 70 seats.

Al-Maliki has joined with the National Iraqi Alliance to form a larger coalition but the new union still does not have enough seats in the 325-seat parliament to get a majority.

Both al-Maliki and Allawi are claiming the post as prime minister.

Source: News Agencies