Baghdad - Iraqi Vice President Tareq al-Hashemi said Monday that parliament's adoption of the new election law was a victory for Iraqis. "I am happy to see Iraqis in and outside of the country celebrate this democratic national event that would not have happened if it were not for Iraqis' unity," al-Hashemi said in statements published on the presidency website.
Lawmakers met a last-minute deadline late Sunday to approve the new law that makes provision for, among other things, an increase in the number of seats in parliament from 275 to 325.
Fifteen seats are to be allocated for religious minorities and blocs that garnered national support but did not win seats.
The issues of the distribution of seats across provinces and representation of religious and ethnic groups had created tensions between the various parties and threatened attempts to forge consensus.
Last month, Al-Hashemi vetoed a draft version of the law and later threatened to do so again, saying citizens abroad were being marginalized.
"I congratulate minorities, people abroad, provinces and all those who regained their right back," al-Hashemi said Monday.
Iraqis who have taken refuge abroad, in countries such as Jordan and Syria, since the 2003 US-led invasion - are believed to be mostly Sunni, like al-Hashemi.
Originally, the nationwide elections had been slated for the middle of January, but officials say the vote will now likely take place in late February or March.
A successful election is seen as key to reconciliation efforts in the country and a withdrawal of US troops.
