Iraq's Supreme Electoral Commission says 156 political parties have been approved to run candidates in the general elections.

Iraq's Supreme Electoral Commission says 156 political parties have been approved to run candidates in the January 30 general elections.

Commission spokesman Farid Ayar said they included the Iraqi National Accord party led by interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi and the new party of interim President Ghazi al-Yawer, called the Iraqis' Party.

Ayar said 212 parties had applied for certification, but 56 failed to meet the criteria.

Also among those approved was the Iraqi Islamic Party, a Sunni group that had threatened to boycott the election to protest the U.S.-led offensive against Fallujah.

During the elections, Iraqis will elect a caretaker parliament and government.

Source: CRIENGLISH.com