Shi’ites debate premier choice as Kurds wait in wings

IRAQ’S main Shi’ite alliance, fresh from winning landmark elections, gathered yesterday to choose a candidate for prime minister and the allies it needs after failing to win an absolute majority.

The alliance, which won 48% of votes cast on January 30 far short of the 60% it expected will need other parties' support if it is to dominate the National Assembly, where a two- thirds majority is needed to form a government.

Analysts expect the Kurds, who won 25% of the vote, to be kingmakers in negotiations over who will take the top government positions.