BAGHDAD - Iraq’s Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi said on Saturday that although protests were important in bringing about reform, life in the country must be allowed to return to normal.

“The protests have helped and will help pressure political groups, the government ... to reform and accept change. However, continuing protests must allow for a return to normal life, which will lead to legitimate demands being met”, he said.

The Iraqi prime minister also said in a statement that new electoral reforms would be announced in the “coming few days”.