Iraqis Vote on New Constitution

WSJ ^

[indianrightwinger]

Iraqis Vote on New Constitution Early Estimates Show Turnout Was Strong, Even Among Sunnis Associated Press October 15, 2005 3:35 p.m.

BAGHDAD, Iraq -- Iraq's deeply divided Shiites, Sunnis and Kurds voted in large numbers on a new constitution Saturday -- a referendum mostly free of insurgent violence and aimed at establishing democracy after decades of Saddam Hussein's repressive rule.

In the south, Shiite women in head-to-toe veils and men emerged from the poll stations flashing victory signs with fingers stained with violet ink, apparently responding in mass to the call by their top cleric to support the charter.

But in Sunni regions -- both in Baghdad and several key heavily Sunni provinces -- the surprisingly high turnout seemed to consist largely of Iraqis voting "no" because of fears the charter would set in stone the Shiite domination they fear.

"The constitution is a sign of civilization," Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari said after casting his ballot. "This constitution has come after heavy sacrifices. It is a new birth."

Overall turnout was about 61% and surpassed 66% in seven of Iraq's 18 provinces, including key Sunni Arab-majority ones, according to initial estimates, election officials said Saturday.

[indianrightwinger]

"The government can't just sew together an outfit and dress the people up by force. We do not see ourselves or see our future in this draft," said Gazwan Abdul Sattar, 27-year-old Sunni teacher, after voting "no."

CLEAR PROOF OF BUSH FAILURE

[indianrightwinger]

Oooops....meant to tag as "sarcasm".

[conservatism_IS_compassion]

Estimates Show Turnout Was Strong, Even Among Sunnis

I love the smell of purple ink in the evening . . . smells like victory!

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

Iraqi vote was a success, MSM & dem lefties deeply saddened.