Iraq elections - Big turnout a tribute to Iraqi courage

THE only positive observation that can be made about the elections in Iraq, at this stage, is that the country has taken a faltering step on the path to democracy.

Despite widespread suicide bombings and mortar attacks, which killed up to 44 people before the polls closed, voting in the first national election in the aftermath of Saddam Hussein’s downfall, was reported to be better than anticipated.

Several of the attacks were purportedly carried out by members of the Iraqi wing of al-Qaida, led by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, and although unprecedented security measures were put in place, it was a tribute to the courage and determination of the Iraqi people that the polls proved to be so encouraging.