Iraq Takes Another Step Along Road to Democracy

American Forces Press Service ^ | Oct 14, 2005 | Jim Garamone

[SandRat]

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2005 – Years from now, the Iraqi people may look on Oct. 15, 2005, as the beginning of their new lives under freedom. Iraqi voters go to the polls to decide on their new constitution - the first constitution in the country's history that is the product of a freely elected assembly.

The referendum continues the process of establishing a democratic government in Iraq. U.S. officials say that a democracy in the heart of the Middle East will be an example to the rest of the region. Coalition officials want an Iraq that respects the rights of all people, does not pose a threat to its own people and does not threaten its neighbors.

The referendum is simply the most recent step that started with the fall of Saddam Hussein in April 2003. In the immediate aftermath of his fall, coalition military forces controlled Iraq, soon succeeded by the Coalition Provisional Authority. The authority set up an Iraqi Governing Council. That group and coalition officials wrote the Transitional Administrative Law, which set out the path toward sovereignty and an elected government.

The coalition returned sovereignty to the Iraqi people on June 28, 2004, and an interim Iraqi government took power that day.

In the face of a growing insurgency, the Iraqi government began building the security services and worked to institute conditions where an election could take place. It all came together on Jan. 30, 2005, when Iraqis flocked to polling places all over the nation.

Men and women sporting the blue fingers - caused by the dye used to keep voting honest - held their hands up for the world to see.

The election created the Transitional National Assembly. The group chose the country's president, vice presidents, prime minister and department ministers. They also became a committee of the whole and began writing the Iraqi constitution.

The constitution is very much a work in progress. Days before the people were to vote on it, Iraqi politicians were still making changes in an attempt to encourage Sunni Arabs to support the document.

Security for the election obviously is a huge concern. The Iraqis seek to duplicate the success they achieved in January, when about 8 million people voted and there were no insurgent incidents that impacted the process.

Iraqi officials said Iraqi security forces - now almost 200,000 strong - will provide the protection in and around polling places. Iraqi security forces also will provide most of the quick reaction forces. Coalition forces will stand by and aid Iraqis if needed.

If the Iraqis approve their constitution, they will once again go to the polls Dec. 15 to elect their permanent government.

[SandRat]

I can hardly wait to see the sea of purple fingers.

[SandRat]

PURPLE FINGER PING

[SevenofNine]

Sandrat what time Iraqis going to poll we need thread here what time it almost 6:30pm here in SO CAL

[mdittmar]

Less than 3 hours now.

[HopeandGlory]

I'm taking a bottle of purple ink to my voting precinct in November . . . I'm going to use it . . . and . . . I'm going to leave it there for others to use too . . . By George . . . ;-)

[mdittmar]

You gonna start a live thread?

You do good work.

[McGavin999]

They are 12 hours difference. It's early morning there now and people will be going to the polls soon.

[SandRat]

Which finger are you going to dip?

I like the idea. Maybe if all Freepers did that,.... hmmmmmmmmm

[SandRat]

Thanks, but no on the live thread as Mrs. SR has a Honey Do list that's looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong.

[mdittmar]

TEXT OF THE DRAFT IRAQI CONSTITUTION

[HopeandGlory]

You need to ask??? . . . .Hehehe!!!

[HopeandGlory]

>

Why this one of course!!! . . . ;-)

[mdittmar]

One of the first voters.

An Iraqi woman who recently gave birth casts her vote in Iraq's referendum on the new constitution in Najaf, Iraq.

[HopeandGlory]

God Bless you for voting "Missus in An Najaf" . . . my DIL was in An Najaf for about 6 months . . . the rest of her tour was spent in Ar Ramadi . . . thank you Penquin Girl for giving this woman and her fellow Iraqi's the opportunity to vote and determine their own future.

[mdittmar]

For your DIL and all our troops.Click to listen

[HopeandGlory]

Thank you very much for "America the Beautiful" by Ray Charles . . . . beautiful indeed!!!

[Radix]

Heard a rumor today that Baghdad and other areas in that region are in serious lock down due to the election.

Also heard that there is a big trial starting next Wednesday.

Curiously, these events have both been scheduled for the Ramadam holiday period.

Heard somewhere else that insurgents have vowed to disrupt these events despite security.

Heard that if one of the faithful is killed during these times while engaged in Jihad then there is 10 times the glory meaning 700 virgins as opposed to the ordinary 70.

Hmmm, got me thinking about who planned the timing of this stuff.

This is a very big week over there.

I'll be looking forward to Halloween when hopefully this phase of Iraqi Freedom is complete.

[Calpernia]

Years from now, the Iraqi people may look on Oct. 15, 2005, as the beginning of their new lives under freedom. Iraqi voters go to the polls to decide on their new constitution - the first constitution in the country's history that is the product of a freely elected assembly.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT