BAGHDAD(AFP)-The United Nations has criticised a last-minute rule change just 10 days before a referendum on Iraq’s draft constitution, sources said yesterday adding the latest dash of controversy to the troubled process.

The stinging criticism from the UN’s Iraq mission comes as political factions are still seeking last-minute amendments to the text and most voters have not yet even seen a copy of the new basic law.

In addition, Iraq’s 15.7 million voters will have to brave rebel threats of violence to participate in the October 15 vote, while leading think-tank has suggested adoption could fuel the insurgency and hasten the country’s break- up.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI), which has been tasked with circulating copies of the constitution, savaged recent changes to the electoral law that make it harder for voters to reject the draft constitution.

Parliament Sunday approved new rules specifying that while a simple majority of those turning out to vote are needed to approve the draft constitution, it would require two-thirds of those registered to vote in at least three provinces to reject it.

This will make it harder for Sunni Arabs in provinces where they are a dominant force to reject the constitution – previously it had required a two-thirds majority of voters rather than registered voters.

“You cannot have two different meanings in one article. It’s using interpretation to your own benefit,” according to a UNAMI official who requested anonymity.