The story: Iraq’s Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) has recommended the postponement of the early parliamentary elections slated for June 6 until Oct. 16. In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the IHEC said there are technical reasons behind its request. It also cited the need to extend the registration deadline for candidates and political parties due to scant turnout thus far.

The coverage: On Jan. 18, state-funded IMN focused its coverage on the challenges prompting the IHEC to delay the elections. Some of these include the need...