Iraq set election date for January 2010

The Iraqi government has set January 30, 2010 for the country’s next general election.



The office of Iraq\'s first deputy parliamentary speaker said the date was proposed by the country\'s federal court and must now be agreed by parliament.



The decision to hold the election comes after allies of Prime Minister Maliki, under the State of Law Coalition banner, won a resounding victory in the 31 January provincial vote, giving the premier a popular mandate.



Officials say it will be the second time that Iraqis vote for a national parliament since the US-led invasion six years ago.



Correspondents say the election will be a key test for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, whose allies made big gains in local elections earlier this year.