BAGHDAD, 31 January 2005 — Iraqis voted yesterday in their first multi-party election in nearly 50 years. Here is a guide to what is scheduled to happen next:
• After votes are counted a 275-member National Assembly will be formed, its seats allocated by the share of votes gained by each competing bloc. Election organizers say it might be 10 days or more before they can announce final results.
• The assembly will elect a presidency council consisting of a president and two deputies. The council must have the backing of two-thirds of the assembly, or 184 members.
• The three-person council will then select a prime minister and a cabinet. It must name a prime minister within two weeks and the decision must be unanimous.
• The prime minister and Cabinet will then seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly, requiring only a simple majority of 138 votes. The government can then start work.
• The National Assembly will draw up a draft constitution for Iraq by Aug. 15, 2005.
• The draft constitution must be put to the Iraqi people for approval in a referendum to be held no later than Oct. 15, 2005.
• If the constitution is approved, a general election will be held by Dec. 15, 2005, and a new government installed by the end of the year. If the constitution is rejected, the National Assembly will be dissolved and an election for a new one will take place by Dec. 15, 2005.
