http://www.timesofearth.com/ Millions of Iraqis braved a wave of violent attacks today to vote in an election seen as a crucial test of the countrys fledgeling and fragile democracy less than six months before United States combat troops leave the country.
Long queues were reported at many polling stations including in Sunni towns that mainly boycotted the 2005 parliamentary elections, despite a series of bomb blasts and rocket and grenade fire that killed at least 38 people.
But as Western governments described the vote as a success, officials privately voiced fears that the turnout would be less than early expectations and that Iraqs new government would lack the strength to make the country secure enough for American troops to withdraw. A Western diplomat who closely observed the voting said: Fraud was our main worry originally but turnout looks even more tricky now. We must have a credible election to proceed.
For Iraq and for the US, the vote is make or break. An inconclusive election and the rise of a weak prime minister could trap Baghdad in a cycle of violence and instability, and with it the US President. Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is the frontrunner but faces strong competition from both secular and sectarian candidates, including Ayad Allawi, the former prime minister who leads an alliance of prominent Sunnis and Shias.
The Obama Administration has said that it will withdraw all US combat troops by late August to free them up for Afghanistan — but only if the situation allows it. An election lacking credibility will undermine support for democracy in Iraq and weaken its next government to the point where militia fighting could return.
This morning insurgents launched rockets aimed at the Green Zone, home of the Prime Minister and the Government, and attacked polling stations with roadside bombs around the country.
Most Iraqis interviewed by The Times in polling stations said that they were not frightened by the mortar and bomb attacks and were voting in defiance of the violence. But many more outside said that they have not voted and were worried about security.
In a statement the American Government acknowledged the difficulties it faces in Iraq. President Obama said: I have great respect for the millions of Iraqis who refused to be deterred by acts of violence, and who exercised their right to vote today. Their participation demonstrates that the Iraqi people have chosen to shape their future through the political process.
The British Government echoed Mr Obamas concerns. David Miliband, the Foreign Secretary, said: The determination to vote has been significant, but the violence and loss of life shows the extent of the challenge faced by the Iraqi people. We condemn all terrorist attacks without reservation.
It was Iraqs second full parliamentary election since the American invasion and the first in which Baghdad was back in overall charge. An Iraqi government official said: We fear that the explosions and mortars will have a negative effect on election turnout. People in Baghdad are used to this but they still worry. That makes the election vulnerable.
The Iraqi Government was clearly concerned after this morning's barrage of mortars and bombs, restricting traffic even further than was originally planned. Journalists were prevented from reaching bomb sites, reducing the amount of coverage the attacks received in the local media.
Later in the day, when fewer than expected voters showed up, the Government lifted a vehicle ban intended to keep car bombs off the streets of the capital. After weeks of being told that they had to walk to polling stations, voters were suddenly encouraged to drive to cast their ballot.
The Western diplomat said: If Iraqis dont have a sense that the next government speaks and stands for them, then they are likely to turn away from the democratic political process. When they see only chaos they are more likely to accept the return of a strongman ruler.
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1994: 20:00 bombing and campaigns updateby briantw1633 views
lying bastered they r not milions
AsHwH 2 years ago
salaam my dear iraqi friends
you deserve to live in peace
fuckusa33 2 years ago