BAGHDAD — With protection from their Security Forces, Iraqi citizens went to the polls to cast their ballots in the provincial elections, Jan. 31.
Iraqi Security Forces assigned to the 8th National Police Brigade, 2nd NP Division, were in charge of security during Election Day, with Multi-National Division – Baghdad Soldiers acting in a supporting role.
Polling stations across eastern Baghdad were crowded as voters were subject to security screenings by Iraqi Policemen prior to voting. Polls opened at 7 a.m. and closed at 6 p.m.
Schools all across eastern Baghdad were converted to polling stations during the elections. Before heading to his local polling station in New Baghdad, an Iraqi man, who simply wanted to be called Mohammed, expressed his excitement.
“I’m very optimistic about the vote this time around, and I feel confident in our government,” said Mohammed, a taxi driver and father of two. “I feel this will be a new beginning for our country, and the population knows its responsibilities to go vote.”
Each person was marked with purple ink on their index finger after voting. The indelible ink prevents a person from casting multiple votes eliminating the potential for voter fraud.
Campaign posters across eastern Baghdad have been a common sight for several weeks leading up to the provincial elections. Many Iraqis expressed how this vote was the first real sign of a growing democracy.
The scene was a far cry from the last provincial elections held in 2005, where many Iraqis boycotted the elections due to fears of violence and a general lack of knowledge about the candidates or political parties.
“I did not vote in 2005 because the situation was not good then,” said Mohammed. “The violence was bad, and we did not have specific candidates to vote for so I just chose not to vote.”
Along with assisting the Iraqi government during Election Day, Coalition forces partnered with ISF on several operations leading up to the election. The security operations were in order to achieve a safe and legitimate election.
These elections were a true indicator of how far the ISF have come since 2005. Coalition forces played a primary role in security procedures during the 2005 elections. However, this time around, ISF were responsible for overall security of polling sites.
Results will be tallied in the coming days in order to see who will be filling the seats in the provincial legislatures. It will take about two months for the newly elected officials to be seated. Provincial governments make and pass laws relevant to their region based on the views and services of the people who elected them.
(By Staff Sgt. Alex Licea, 82nd Airborne Division)