Parliament is to vote Saturday on how to resolve the crisis triggered by Vice President Tariq al-Hashemi's veto of the legislation earlier this week. Al-Hashemi, a Sunni Arab, wants more seats allocated for Iraqis living abroad, many of whom are Sunni.
Lawmakers spent weeks wrangling over the long-delayed bill before finally passing it on Nov. 8, much to the relief of Iraqi leaders and the United States.
But the veto threw into question whether the vote can be held by the end of January, as mandated in Iraq's constitution.
Let's not get all gloomy. Is somebody barricaded somewhere with their militia, holding elections hostage? Did someone decree a decision outraging all about flouting laws? No. They are legislating. And as the saying goes, the process doesn't look pretty.
While it would be nice to have Iraq's upcoming national elections solidified, the mere fact of delay should not be dismaying to us. After all, the delay is due to parliamentary maneuvering and executive actions within the law.
I for one am heartened when I see Iraqis maneuvering to gain advantage within their government and parliament rather than using bombs and guns.
You want quick decisions? Support a dictatorship.
You want rule of law? Have patience because it isn't always quick and it isn't always even very pretty to watch.
