Juana!

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even with the fear of being killed by a lunatic... they went and voted... are we teaching them democracy and civic duties... or is the other way around?... and to think some people here do not vote because of incoveniences or just plain being lazy....

BAGHDAD, Iraq - Iraqis defied violence and calls for a boycott to cast ballots in Iraq (news - web sites)'s first free election in a half-century Sunday. Insurgents seeking to wreck the vote struck polling stations with a string of suicide bombings and mortar volleys, killing at least 44 people, including nine attackers.

Women in black abayas whispered prayers at the sound of a nearby explosion as they waited to vote at one Baghdad polling station. But the mood for many was upbeat: Civilians and policemen danced with joy at one of the five polling stations where photographers were allowed, and some streets were packed with voters walking shoulder-to-shoulder to vote. The elderly made their way, hobbling on canes or riding wheelchairs; one elderly woman was pushed along on a wooden cart, another man carried a disabled 80-year-old on his back.

"This is democracy," said Karfia Abbasi, holding up a thumb stained with purple ink to prove she had voted.

Officials said turnout among the 14 million eligible voters appeared higher than the 57 percent that had been predicted, although it would be some time before any turnout figure was confirmed. No preliminary results were expected before Monday at the earliest, and final results will not be known for seven to 10 days, the election commission said.

Car Enthusiast

this really makes me happy about the situation over there, i was worried terrorist would hit the elections hard

Wayne Brady

It's amazing how Russia, France, and Germany seem to be warming up to the American occupation of Iraq. Did you hear all the glowing remarks from their leaders yesterday? Even Arab TV focused on the positives for once(the world must be coming to an end). Looks like the critics have shut up for at least one day.

Juan.©amaney

Might have been a tough road to get there, but we see progress and that's a good thing, mkay?

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thepipebomb

Even if you think the invasion was unjustified and wrong, you have to be happy for the turn out the Iraqi people made. I just hope they write a constitution and form a government that is truly representative of the people, stays democratic and can stand the test of time.