Iraq parliament passes bill restricting premier’s tenure

The Iraqi parliament has passed legislation seeking to limit the number of terms Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki may remain in office.

The bill was passed on Saturday by lawmakers from three major Sunni, Kurdish and Shia blocs – all members of Maliki’s unity government.

The bill restricts the posts of the president, prime minister, and parliament speaker of Iraq to two four-year terms.

Maliki’s supporters dismissed the move as unconstitutional and vowed to refer it to a federal court.

Despite the parliamentary vote, it needs the president’s approval.

The parliament’s move comes amidst weeks of anti-government protests.

Maliki was first elected as prime minister in 2005, and was consequently reelected in 2010.