The country’s parliament held its first session since May’s national election but failed to elect a speaker; in what should have been the first step towards forming a new government. Lawmakers were supposed to elect the speaker and two deputies, at the start of a 90-day process outlined in the constitution. But with competing political blocs each claiming to hold a parliamentary majority, no vote was held on the appointments. “According to constitution, we have to elect (a speaker of parliament and deputies), but as there is no quorum, therefore I suggest that the parliament will remain in session until the election of a speaker of parliament after you set up a definite date for the election,” Temporary Speaker of Iraqi Parliament Ahmed al-Jibouri said.
