Early elections have an unknown destiny

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi rejected on Tuesday a call by Muqtada al-Sadr for early elections, saying the political agreement was shorter route than resigning and holding early elections to change the government.

Iran PressMiddle East: Responding to Moqtada al-Sadr's call for his resignation, the Iraqi prime minister, Adel Abdul Mahdi, said in a letter to Moqtada al-Sadr that Early elections have an unknown destiny.

The letter goes on to say: "It is not enough for the prime minister to call for early elections, but according to the constitution, necessary regulations including Article 64, must be implemented. Early elections require the president's consent to the prime minister's request to dissolve parliament and call for elections within 60 days, and this cannot be achieved unless by a majority of 165 votes. Alternatively, one-third of the 110 MPs would call for the dissolution of the House of Representatives to be voted on by an absolute majority."

"If you are looking to change the government, there are shorter routes available," Abdul Mahdi said in the letter, referring to the problems and legal process that took time.

Earlier on Monday, Moqtada al-Sadr has called for early elections in Iraq under the supervision of the United Nations and a new electoral body.

207/204

Read More

Sadr calls for early Iraqi elections under UN supervision

Moqtada al-Sadr calls for the resignation of Iraqi gov't