For Iraqis, this is their chance to seize democracy
It’s been a long battle and a battle that’s not over yet. Today is a monumental one for Iraqi citizens as they have a chance to vote in the country’s first free election in 50 years.
Iraqi officials are hopeful that around 8 million of the country’s 14 million voters will turn out for this election. If that’s the case, the election will be fairly successful and in line, percentage wise, with the voter turnout for most U.S. presidential elections.
But unlike elections in America, today’s election in Iraq is almost sure to be marked with violence. U.S. forces are providing heavy security at every voting precinct, but the insurgents have leveled grave promises which have to be taken seriously.
More than anything, the election is a primary test of President Bush’s goal to bring democracy to Iraq. If today’s election is successful, it will spell nothing but promising news for U.S. efforts in the Middle East.
What happens halfway across the world matters so much to the people of Warren County because we currently have National Guard soldiers deployed in Iraq. We want those soldiers — and the 150,000 troops fighting alongside them — to return home as quickly as possible.
A relatively peaceful election, with a strong turnout from voters, will likely mean our soldiers will return sooner than later. An election marked with widespread suicide bombings, rampant violence, and lackluster voter turnout means the U.S. has much work ahead. We can only pray for the first scenario.
An estimated 300,000 Iraqi and American troops will be on the streets today with the hopes of providing confidence that it’s safe to vote. With their protection, Iraqis have the task of electing a National Assembly, and governing councils in 18 provinces.
This election is a major step in the scope of U.S. involvement in Iraq. If Iraqi citizens want to seize control of their own country, and hasten the departure of American soldiers, this is the time for them to do it.