Iraq parliament fails to elect new president - lawmakers

A general view of the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad, Iraq February 7, 2022. REUTERS/Saba Kareem

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's parliament cancelled the vote for a new head of state on Monday as it lacked the quorum to hold a session, three lawmakers said, a move that prolongs a political standoff.

Only 58 members out of 329 were present on Monday, which is less than the necessary two-thirds quorum needed to chose a new president for the mostly ceremonial post.