Provincial Elections Test Iraq’s Move Towards Democracy

Provincial Elections Test Iraq’s Move Towards Democracy

Posted: February 3, 2009 PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION: PDF


In an important marker of national stability, Iraq held its first nationwide elections since 2005 with voters casting ballots for candidates seeking office in 14 of the country's 18 provinces.



Iraqis had their fingers stained with purple ink after casting ballots to show that they had already voted in the provincial elections.




With 51 percent of Iraq's registered voters showing up to the polls, voter turnout was lower than expected, according to the New York Times -- although the voting was reported to be peaceful and smooth.

Although it will take several days to count the ballots, Iraqi and international officials are calling the elections a success, noting the lack of any considerable violence or disruption.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called the elections “a victory,” adding that it had been a “day of happiness for all the Iraqi people and all those that love Iraq.”

U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker hailed it as "the most important election to take place since the fall" of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.