Posted on 08/12/2015 10:11:52 AM PDT by Olog-hai
Iraqs prime minister announced Wednesday he will seek a popular mandate to change the countrys constitution amid widespread calls to fight corruption and curtail government spending. The announcement came as Islamic State militants ambushed a military convoy in Iraqs western Anbar province, killing at least 14 soldiers. [ ]
In Baghdad, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said he respects the current constitution, implemented in 2005, but believes it is incomplete. [ ]
On Tuesday, lawmakers unanimously approved a reform plan proposed by al-Abadi that eliminates the three vice presidencies and the three deputy prime minister posts, dismantling part of the top-heavy government established after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. The tripartite offices were intended to give equal representation to Iraqs Shiite majority and its Sunni and Kurdish minorities.
The reforms also expand the powers of the prime minister, allowing him to sack provincial governors and the heads of provincial and local councils.
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