Iraq's president has promised to hold a snap parliamentary election once a new law is passed and said the country's beleaguered Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has agreed to step down if a replacement was found, Eurasia Diary reports citing Aljazeera.
The announcement by President Barham Salih on Thursday came as Iraq's political leaders are scrambling to produce a solution to mounting protests calling for economic reform, a government overhaul and an end to the country's quota-based power-sharing system.
"The prime minister announced that he accepted to submit his resignation if parties agree on an adequate alternative within the context of the constitution and the law to avoid a constitutional gap," Salih said in a televised addressed.
"I am personally meeting and consulting with the various parties and blocs to achieve reforms within the context of the law to maintain the security of Iraq."
He added that a new electoral law will be presented to Parliament next week.