To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he expects there to be new elections in Iraq. (156083)

Article 56 of the Iraqi constitution allows for elections for the Council of Representatives to be held 45 days preceding the conclusion of the Council of Representatives’ four-calendar-year electoral term. The current electoral term began on 16 March 2006, the date of the first session of the present Council of Representatives. Elections should therefore be held on 30 January 2010.

The timing of the next round of provincial elections is subject to legislation being drafted by the Government of Iraq.