Iraqi
parliament passed a law on Saturday intended to prevent Prime Minister Nuri
al-Maliki from seeking a third term. Maliki’s coalition in Parliament boycotted
the vote. The parliamentary move came in the aftermath of anti-Maliki street
protests that turned violent on Friday in Falluja.
An
official close to Maliki called it unconstitutional and vowed to appeal to the
federal courts, which in practice bend to Mr. Maliki’s will.
“We
are not worried about the vote on this law,” said Sami al-Askari, a lawmaker
from Mr. Maliki’s coalition.“ (It will) not see the light of day.” (New York
Times, 26 January)
Maliki began his second term as prime minister after inconclusive
elections in 2010. The next election is to be held in 2014.
Photo credit: Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki (Google News)
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