Iraqi Elections Held Yesterday
Allawi Wins Mandate of the People
by: kilgoretrout
BS Newswire
In a surprise move, reminiscent of the June 30th transition of power, the first democratic elections ever for Iraq were held yesterday. "This is a historic event," said President Bush, " now the world can be assured that freedom is on the march and that the people of Iraq have spoken with one voice." Although the details of the election results are still somewhat preliminary, it appears that former Prime Minister Ayad Allawi received all 23 of the votes cast for president.
Shortly after the poll closed and the handful of ballots were counted, Allawi's inaugural address commenced. Speaking to the small group of supporters and staff at the Green Zone party headquarters, Allawi reiterated his commitment to the rebuilding of Iraq,"The people have spoken, and I do not take this appointment without realizing that much work has to be done."
The election was held despite warnings that came out today from Allawi himself, "Certainly, there will be some pockets where people will not be able to participate in the elections, but we do not think it will be widespread."
Coalition Authority spokesman Mark Rich addressed reporters to field questions. "Current security problems prevented us from a best-case voting scenario, yes that's true." When pressed about there being only one voting poll, Rich elaborated, " There was one, sure. And all votes were independently verified by Coalition Authorities."
The vote came on the heels of increasingly coordinated insurgent attacks on Iraqi and US security forces. There had been talk of perhaps postponing the January 30th election. But Allawi was determined to hold elections, as he told the supporters in the basement stronghold of the inaugural stage area, " A delay in these elections would have meant total capitulation in the face of insurgent pressure."
Now with a clear mandate to lead the newly formed democratic nation of Iraq, Allawi announced plans for sweeping changes, " We will have food, water, and protection for our people!" As the crowd of 22 cheered and applauded, he added "And we will have electricity!"