A resident of Ramadi smiles while looking at his dyed purple finger, the hallmark of a successful voter in Iraq, during national parliamentary elections, March 7. The man is walking with six women and another man, all of whom voted.
What must it have been like in the late 1700s in this country, when elections were held to put flesh on the bones of a newly formed government? Imagine the sensation.
The people of Iraq are feeling that right now.
Barely mentioned in the news, Iraq held its second national election just a few days ago. Unlike the emotional and lauded elections of 2005, these went off quietly (for the most part) and with little controversy. According to the President, there were over 50,000 polling places throughout the country.
“And, in a strong turnout, millions of Iraqis exercised their right to vote with enthusiasm and optimism,” Obama said. “Today’s voting makes it clear that the future of Iraq belongs to the people of Iraq.” (CENTCOM)
There was violence and innocent people were killed, but it had minimal effect on the elections. Yet it does underscore the depth of commitment that the people of Iraq have in determining how they are governed.
The future of the country is still uncertain, for sure. But the elections signify a few tentative steps toward maturity for the young republic.
It’s a start.
