Iraq deadlock continues

Iraqi political leaders faced a midnight deadline yesterday to choose a new prime minister to run a country shaken by months of unprecedented street protests that have left hundreds dead.

If parliament fails to propose a candidate from inter-party negotiations to replace outgoing Adel Abdel Mahdi, then President Barham Saleh has the right to appoint a premier himself.

But if lawmakers do not approve his choice and the post remains vacant at midnight, then the constitution will place Saleh himself in the role, though for just 15 days. The current parliament is the most divided in Iraq’s recent history.

On Wednesday, deputies failed to agree on amending the electoral law -- the only significant reform proposed by authorities to appease protester demands -- rescheduling it to its next meeting on Monday