Iraq president: Maliki critics didn't muster majority

Al-Maliki, a Shiite, faces a growing challenge from Sunni and Kurdish parties as well as other Shiites within his unity government who accuse him of monopolizing power.

Last week, the prime minister's opponents said they sent a letter to President Jalal Talabani with pledges from 176 lawmakers - or a dozen more than the 164 needed - that they would vote against al-Maliki.