Baghdad: The death toll from a suicide bomb attack in the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk rose to 22 on Monday, security and health officials said. At least 54 people were wounded.

The police and hospital officials say the attack occurred as demonstrators were gathered to protest a draft provincial elections law that is being debated in parliament.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to release the information.

Kurdish objections over a proposed power-sharing formula on the provincial council in Kirkuk have blocked the law from being passed.

Kirkuk is in an oil-rich area and many Kurds consider it to be part of their historical land. The area is home to Kurds, Turkomen, Arabs and smaller groups.