BAGHDAD - Iraq has taken a major step toward holding early elections by ratifying an election law that addresses some demands of anti-government protesters who blamed the old system for helping perpetuate a dysfunctional status quo.
The legislation makes a significant change that could reduce the influence of political party bosses. Under the new "single non-transferrable vote" system, seats in Parliament will be awarded to the candidates who win the greatest number of votes — in contrast to the old system, in which candidates ran on electoral lists and parties could transfer votes among list members.
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