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.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

BAGHDAD (AP)—Iraq's parliament is voting on a much-delayed election law needed to carry out the nation-wide vote in January.

The evening voting session Sunday, which was televised live on Iraq state TV, comes after intense behind-the-scenes negotiating throughout the day, and marked the first time the issue has actually made it to a vote.

The key hurdle to the law's passage has been how to apportion votes in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, a city claimed by both Arabs and Kurds. There were no details available on the legislation the lawmakers are voting on.

The issue has been especially worrying because if the election law is not passed soon, it could delay the Jan. 16 election and U.S. plans to withdrawal their forces.
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