Iraq delays general election to Oct. 10

A demonstrator carries an Iraqi flag as he walks near burning tires, during an anti-government protest in Najaf, Iraq, January 12, 2020. (Reuters)

• Early elections were a key demand of anti-government protesters who staged mass demonstrations that started in October 2019

BAGHDAD: Iraq’s cabinet decided on Tuesday to postpone the general election to Oct. 10 from June, the state news agency INA said.
The elections had been brought forward to June 6, roughly a year early, following a proposal by Iraq’s Independent High Election Commission (IHEC), which wanted more time to organize the polls.
Early elections were a key demand of anti-government protesters who staged mass demonstrations that started in October 2019. Hundreds were killed by security forces and gunmen suspected of links to militia groups.