Baghdad: Iraq's Cabinet voted Tuesday to postpone early elections for four months based on a recommendation by the country's electoral commission, which proposed the change citing technical reasons.
Elections will now be held in October, according to a statement from the prime minister's office following a unanimous vote in the Cabinet. Previously they were slated for June, about a year ahead of schedule.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced in July that early polls would be held to meet the demands of anti-government protesters.
Demonstrators took to the streets in the 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-Kadhimi said in the statement Tuesday the delay was due to technical needs spelled out in a proposal submitted to the Cabinet to ensure a transparent electoral process. He did not provide details on what the 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. The law was passed despite objections from political parties.