Iraq postpones date for early elections by four months

Iraq's Cabinet voted Tuesday to postpone early elections for four months based on a recommendation by country's electoral commission, which proposed change citing technical reasons.

Elections will w be held in October, according to a statement from prime minister's office following a unanimous vote in Cabinet. Previously y were slated for June, about a year ahe of schedule.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Khimi anunced in July that early polls would be held to meet demands of anti-government protesters. Demonstrators took to streets in tens of thousands last year to demand political change, and an end to rampant corruption and poor services. More than 500 people were killed in mass demonstrations as security forces used live rounds and tear gas to disperse crowds.

Al-Khimi said in statement Tuesday delay was due to “technical” needs spelled out in a proposal submitted to Cabinet to ensure a transparent electoral process. He did t provide details on what technical issues were.

In a step toward holding elections, Iraq's president ratified a new electoral law late last year aimed at giving political independents a chance at winning seats in parliament. law was passed despite objections from political parties.

In its proposal for pushing back early elections, electoral commission, which is legally tasked to organize polls, said more time was needed for minees to be named and for electoral commissioners to fulfill technical requirements.

Al-Khimi said commission was “keen on integrity of elections and equal opportunities for everyone to run electoral process fairly," according to his statement.

May 2018 federal elections were mired in allegations of voter fraud and corruption and saw historically low turut.

Al-Khimi said neir political opposition to early polls r state's crumbling finances were to blame for extension. government, which is suffering through an unprecedented liquidity crisis due to low oil prices, said commission's budget is accounted for.

Parliament must also dissolve itself in order for polls to be held.