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This past weekend the world witnessed what many recently predicted would be impossible. Even before a vote was cast, commentators had already dismissed the Iraqi elections validity and significance. . .but they were proven wrong. On January 30, over eight million people, despite the threat of violence, made their way to the polls to vote in the first free Iraqi election in decades. The ballot they were offered looked quite different than the one they were given just a few years ago. The old ballot had one choice, which really wasn't a choice at all, a "yes" or "no" for Saddam Hussein. This year, over 18,000 candidates - representing 256 political entities, formed the ballot. This ballot offered a chance for freedom, a better life and a more peaceful country.
The election results will produce a 275-member Transitional National Assembly. The Assembly will appoint a Presidency Council, consisting of a President and two Vice Presidents. They will appoint a Prime Minister and, on his or her recommendation, cabinet ministers to run the Iraqi government’s ministries. The prime minister and the cabinet must receive a vote of confidence by a simple majority of the Transitional National Assembly before beginning work as a government. The Transitional National Assembly will also draft a new Iraqi constitution. The draft constitution will be presented to the Iraqi people for approval in October 2005. By the end of 2005, the Iraqi people are expected to elect a new, national government under a permanent constitution.
It was a significant day to the average Iraqi citizen. For years they lived under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein-- in extreme poverty and constant fear. The elections were a glimpse of hope. During my last visit to Iraq in December, I had the chance to visit with the Independent Iraqi Election Commission who was in charge of planning and implementing the elections. Although they faced an uphill battle and threats to their own lives, they were determined that the elections would be on time and successful. Their undisputed achievement is a giant step toward democracy. The Iraqi people have given the new government the strength and the authority to move forward.
The newly elected government will have a great responsibility over the next few years. Any new democracy suffers through birthing pains. The United States was no different. There was strong disagreement at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, but by 1788 the United States had its first election. There is still a long road ahead for the Iraqi people. But, the elections were the first step, and they took that step with remarkable resolve.
The American soldiers were the quiet heroes and the reason why the elections were possible. I am very proud of the American military and the Coalition Forces that provided this opportunity to the Iraqi people. During my visits to Iraq, I have heard many Iraqis' stories and expressions of gratitude for what our soldiers have done. The faces of the Iraqis, as they went to vote, illustrated that we made the right decision when going into Iraq. The election was a victory for freedom loving people everywhere.
Winning the War in Iraq and the War on Terrorism will continue to be a top priority during this session of Congress. We will continue to work along side the transitional government as they draft a constitution and prepare for the next elections. After that the new Iraqi government and the United States will determine the pace and the timing of the withdrawal of American military forces from Iraq. The Iraqis have proven they are willing and able to work toward a democracy and I believe they have the strength to see it to the finish. |
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