BAGHDAD (AP) - Iraq's parliament has passed a long-delayed
electoral law, paving the way for nationwide elections.

The key hurdle to the law's passage was how to apportion votes in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, a city claimed by both Arabs and Kurds.

There were no details immediately available on exactly how lawmakers decided this issue.

The election law debate has been closely watched due to worries that the January vote might have to be delayed, possibly affecting U.S. plans to withdrawal their forces.

The lawmakers approved the bill after a tense day-long session in parliament.

It was not immediately clear whether the elections would go forward as planned on Jan. 16.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)