The board of Iraq's election commission has withdrawn its collective resignation, in part because of an appeal from the United Nations mission to Baghdad.
The nine-member board of the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) resigned en masse over alleged parliamentary and judicial interference on Tuesday, sparking concern a general election due on April 30 could be delayed.
But Iraqiya state TV, quoting election commissioner Gaata al-Zobaie, said on Sunday the board had withdrawn its collective resignation.
The commissioners rescinded their resignations "after talking with regional and international" organisations, including the United Nations, a diplomatic source told AFP news agency, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The IHEC's board has been frustrated with what they say is a vague provision in Iraq's electoral law that requires parliamentary hopefuls to be "of good reputation".
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Based on that article, a judicial panel has barred several prospective parliamentarians, including Maliki opponents such as former finance minister Rafa al-Essawi, with no obvious avenue of appeal.
Parliament has meanwhile reportedly ruled the IHEC must not bar any candidates unless they have criminal convictions, a decision an electoral official said was at odds with that of the judicial panel.
