Iraqi parliament fails to agree on poll law despite intense negotiations

Baghdad: Iraq's parliament has adjourned for a month-long break after adopting a supplementary budget of $21 billion, but failing to reach agreement on a provincial elections law.

Parliamentary speaker Mahmoud Al Mashhadani says the lawmakers will resume sessions on September 9, but he also ordered a committee to continue negotiations over the provincial elections law.

Wednesday's decision comes after lawmakers failed to reach agreement on the legislation despite days of intense negotiations and heavy pressure from US and UN officials.

Officials involved in preparations for the elections have said the lack of an agreement will likely delay the US-backed vote until next year.