Iraqi parliament delays presidential vote amid continuing violence

World Today

Iraq’s parliament postponed voting on a new president for another day after the Islamic State claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Baghdad that killed 31 people. CCTV’s Jack Barton reports.

The delay is a response from the Kurdish political bloc. The vote for a new president is part of the process of forming a united government in Iraq, and current president Jalal Talabani’s term is set to expire soon.

There are at least 95 candidates running, but the two front runners appear to be former Deputy Prime Minister Barham Saleh and Kirkuk provincial governor Najimaldin Karim.

Observers say this delay in the vote will also delay the formation of new united government as violence continues to escalate.

Iraqi parliament delays presidential selection, violence continues

Iraq's parliament postponed voting on a new president for one day after ISIL claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing. CCTV's Jack Barton reports.

Report compiled with information from The Associated Press.