http://www.arabnews.com/?page=7§ion=0&article=57916&d=22&m=1&y=2005
snip
Despite almost daily terrorist attacks most Iraqis appear determined that the election should take place. Almost 75 percent of those eligible to vote under a UN-established list have registered. Over 6000 candidates, from Communists to monarchists and passing-by democrats and Islamists, are contesting the 275 seats of the National Assembly whose main task is to write a new constitution.
Campaigning for the election is most intense in the Shiite and Kurdish areas where the insurgents, despite a number of spectacular attacks, have failed to make an impression. Meetings are held in mosques, schools, village halls and the homes of the candidates where would-be voters are often treated to free meals. In parts of southern Iraq big tribal tents double as town halls for the election.
Much of the debate takes place through the 50 or so privately owned talk-show radios, especially in and around Baghdad, and in the columns of the 200 or so new newspapers and magazines that have appeared since liberation in April 2003.
“We know that there are criminals determined to blow us up,” says Abdul-Hussein Hindawi, head of the independent Electoral Commission. “But we cannot allow fear to shape our future. Iraqis know that they must take risks to build a free society.”
the USA fought for their freedom! They didnt!