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TEHRAN (Reuters) - Most Iranian lawmakers stayed away from a party hosted by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Sunday, a newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Etemad, a reformist daily, cited unidentified members of parliament as saying their absence signaled disappointment at the hardline president's proposed cabinet following the disputed June election.

Ahmadinejad's media adviser was not immediately available for comment.

Ahmadinejad submitted the cabinet list to parliament last week but he may face a battle after some deputies suggested they were likely to reject several nominees.

"From the 290 lawmakers invited to a party hosted by the president on Sunday night, only 20 attended. Lawmakers say with Ahmadinejad's proposed cabinet, there is no reason to hold meetings and talks," Etemad reported.