MPs say Iraq's provincial elections could be delayed

By Waleed Ibrahim

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's provincial elections, seen as vital for fostering national reconciliation, could be delayed because of disputes in parliament over the electoral law, several lawmakers said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki has said the elections will be held on Oct 1, but a dispute has emerged between Arab and Kurdish lawmakers over what to do about voting in the disputed oil rich city of Kirkuk in northern Iraq.

"There are many problems hindering us from agreeing the provincial elections law. One of the main problems is Kirkuk," Jalal al-Din al-Sagheer, head of the parliamentary bloc from the ruling Shi'ite Alliance, told Reuters.

"I think it will be very difficult to hold elections on time."

The electoral commission has said the draft law must be passed by the start of July to give it three months to prepare for the polls. U.S. officials have said the elections could be delayed until November, but have not elaborated.

The fate of Kirkuk, a mixed city of Arabs, Kurds and Turkmen that sits atop rich oil fields, is already one of the most divisive issues in Iraq.

Minority Kurds, who control the northern Kurdistan region, see Kirkuk as their ancient capital and want a constitutionally mandated referendum to be held to decide its status. Arabs encouraged to move there under Saddam Hussein want the city to stay under Baghdad and have been wary of a vote.

Given Kirkuk's status had not been resolved, Arab and Turkmen lawmakers said they wanted a separate law to govern voting in the city. Kurd lawmakers have rejected this proposal.