Iraqi lawmakers seek to end election crisis

BAGHDAD — Iraq's parliament is discussing ways to end a dispute over an election law after a vice president vetoed the bill, throwing national polls slated for January into question.

Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi vetoed the legislation earlier this week. He wants more votes allocated for Iraqis living abroad, most of whom are Sunnis like him.

(enlarge photo) In this handout photo released by the Iraqi Government, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, speaks during a meeting with sheiks and tribal leaders of al Sudan Shiite tribe, in Baghdad, Iraq, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009. Iraqi lawmakers will vote Saturday on how to break a deadlock over a key election law after a vice president vetoed the legislation, causing a crisis that could delay a national vote scheduled for January and affect the timetable for an American troop withdrawal. (AP Photo/Iraqi Government)

Lawmakers plan to vote Saturday on whether to send the same law back to the presidency council — where it is likely to be vetoed again — or to amend the bill to address al-Hashemi's concerns.

Parliament can override a second veto with a three-fifths majority.

The U.S. has tied the pace of its troop withdrawal to the vote, but says the schedule is on track for now.

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