LOC19:39
16:39 GMT
BAGHDAD, Feb 9 (KUNA) -- Iraq's parliament fails, for the second day
Monday, to elect a speaker as a group of parties left the chamber and Sunni
politicians remain undecided on their candidate.
Media sources told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), that the session was
postponed to next Wednesday to try to break the deadlock.
As per law, Iraqi Sunnis have the right to nominate the speaker, but
infighting has blocked them from agreeing on a candidate.
Five candidates were vying for the job. The failure to elect a speaker will
not allow parliament to debate or approve a new budget and oil law, deemed
crucial to the reconstruction of the country.
Mahmoud Mashhadani, an outspoken Sunni MP, quit as speaker on December 23,
creating a vacuum and triggering political wrangling over a replacement.
Iraq's parliament speaker resigned after chaos erupted among legislators
over whether the Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at former US president
George W. Bush should be freed from jail. (end)
ahh.asa
KUNA 091939 Feb 09NNNN