Click Caption and scroll to the bottom of the page that opens for 10 more photos
An Iraqi man holds up his ink-stained finger after voting during elections held Dec. 15 in Fallujah, Iraq. Photo by: Lance Cpl. Josh Cox
Posted on 12/15/2005 3:59:46 PM PST by SandRat
FALLUJAH, Iraq (Dec. 15, 2005) -- Buildings and structures still stand riddled with bullets, evidence of last year’s encounter in Fallujah where Marines battled insurgents. However, the marketplace was thriving as locals turned out for the National Election today.
Two months after the constitutional referendum, the people from the city of 80 mosques supported democracy in a peaceful manner once again for the second time this year.
“The Fallujahans support democracy and want peace,” said Mayor Dhari Youssef al Arsah. “They want unity for Iraq and a government that represents all of Iraq.”
An estimated 108,000 Fallujah residents voted during the referendum in October and city officials expected a larger turnout today.
The Iraqi Police raised security measures in an effort to keep the city safe from violence.
Although parts of the city are still in need of infrastructure repairs, citizens still flocked to 35 polling sites available.
“Out of the rubble came the ballot box,” said John Kale Weston, U.S. State Department spokesman. “The ballot box is going to be there anyway. Whether the people are going to show up or not, it is a test of what the Marines and the political leadership has allowed in the city.”
Brigadier Gen. Salah Khalil al-Ani, police chief, Iraqi Police Fallujah District, believes the most troubling factor was a potential rise in terrorist activity during the elections.
“Countries around the region do not want what is good for Iraq,” he said. “It is a structured terrorist arrangement. What I see are acts that hurt innocents.”
Early reports showed voters came out all over the city; however, official results will be available in several weeks.
“Some polling sites were running out of ballots,” the mayor said. “The turnout is very positive for the people of Fallujah.”
The LEFT must be in anguish right now!
The nation's foreign and enemies are in dismay. Al Queda and the democrat party are distressed at the vote.
The nation's foreign and domestic enemies are in dismay. Al Queda and the democrat party are distressed at the vote.
Uneducated *
crazy people who vote are
still crazy people
who can not read but
now have been told they can run
their country. Special.
----------------------------------------
* Iraq literacy is about 40%
Iraq literacy is about 40%'
Amongst Sunnis? I don't think so...
BTTT
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.