Iraqi soldiers and police have made great strides in recent months, the official said. They've also assisted coalition troops, he said, in reducing terrorist presence and influence in the cities of Ramadi and Fallujah -- former hotbeds of anti-government activity -- in the days leading up to the country's Oct. 15 constitutional referendum. "They had a great effect on Ramadi during the referendum vote," said the official. And thanks to the efforts of Iraqi security forces, he predicted, safe and secure voting will take place in Ramadi and at other polling sites during the Dec. 15 elections.