This is a third page of your comments on Iraq's elections.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
 |  Democratic elections are much more powerful than terrorism  |
What is the alternative to not having the election? Being, an Arab, Sunni and an Anglo-Iraqi and having experienced the power of democracy in the UK, I feel democratic elections are much more powerful than terrorism and anarchy
Mo Araim, London, UK I think the elections will be flawed, but a step in the right direction. I am confused, though. I keep reading the posts of many people that say that the coalition must leave before there can be real democratic elections. I would like someone to explain the logistics of this. Are we just supposed to pick up and leave, and hope that elections will materialize from the chaos that ensues?
Brent , Philadelphia, PA, USA
Once the Shia get a dominant position in government, they will ask the US to leave, thus showing they are not traitors as Zarqawi says. Shia will have the chance to show this when they have power, and if most politicians fulfil their duty, they should be able to unite the country against terrorism as well as against occupation. The US will lack arguments to stay if they are asked to leave by a legitimate government. Sunnis will lack arguments to support a rebellion if their interests are represented and the government is seen as independent from the US. So, as I see it, these "elections", though not real free elections, can pave the way for an independent Iraqi policy to start developing. And that is the only way out for Iraqis from this nightmare. But I may be wrong; God doesn't talk to me as clearly as He seems to do to Bush or bin Laden.
Miguel, Barcelona, Spain
The elections are secret, not only because the ballots are secret, but also because the identities of many candidates are secret. Given a situation like this, why not keep the election results secret, too?
Wang Luo, New York, USA
| As an Iraqi, I find the whole thing a tasteless joke |
As an Iraqi, I find the whole thing a tasteless joke. An occupied country which is in total chaos, 20-30% of the population (that called "the Sunnis") will have no right to vote. Almost the same percentage are intimidated by the insurgents. No security, no electricity, no water, no jobs. I don't want to fool my sanity, that's why I haven't registered to vote, as I believe the whole thing is made for the Fox news bulletin.
Muthana Amir The comments that elections can only be held after the Americans leave are hilarious. Only the presence of the Americans makes it possible to hold elections. None of the insurgents wants elections or democracy, and would stop the process dead if they were able to. Then they could fight it out amongst themselves. In spite of their all-out efforts, the Iraqi people are about to take the first step toward running their own lives.
Tom Jones, Dallas, USA
You guys are being fed the propaganda again and you are all falling for it - Iraq has had elections in the past (albeit questionable) but they did have them. They have also voted for many referendums etc. so we should not be acting as if we are giving these people something "new".
Audrey Fryer, Parksville, B.C. Canada
The simple fact that Bush just declared that he intends to maintain at least 120,000 troops in Iraq in the next few years makes me doubt that the US are willing to accept the sovereignty of any newly elected government in Iraq.
Jorge Marques, Brussels, Belgium
| The election would be considerably more impressive if voters knew who they could vote for |
The election would be considerably more impressive if voters knew who they could vote for before they go to the polls. As it is now, many of the candidates are, absurdly, keeping their identities secret. Some candidates are evidently ones who turned tail and ran away from their country and are currently living elsewhere. Is this really any reasonable person's idea of a democratic election?
Gary, Seoul, South Korea
The elections in Iraq will be no better than those of Afghanistan where the US favouring pre-existent government has retained power by the use of US supported forgery. These elections are fake and are only for the sake of consolidation of the world.
Mohammed Shahid Amin, Lucknow, India
The very fact that they are being held is a major success. We can only hope that Iraq will be as successful politically and economically as the other countries that the United States has rebuilt such as Germany, Japan, Mexico, Panama etc.
Peter, La Marque, Texas
The elections are a step in the right direction, whatever the shortcomings. Those who complain that they will not be perfect are correct, but few things are ever perfect. We should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Tom, Denver, Colorado, USA The Bush administration will bill this election as a success in a desperate effort to justify the invasion and further their arguments that the elections will bring stability to Iraq. Unfortunately, the situation seems very fragile and I fear that attacks on citizens could easily keep Iraqis away from the election stations.
Dan, D.C., USA
This election will not really represent what the Iraqi people want. How can you hold an election with all the turmoil going on? If ever there is an election, it will not be legitimate in the eyes of the world. The basic necessities of the Iraqi people should be dealt with before holding any election. One cannot vote independently if one does not have water, food, and security.
Rosario Miguel, New York
Democratic elections can only be held after the occupying power has departed.
Brian, Canada
For any free and fair elections to take place, it is imperative that the voters cast their vote in a climate of peace and security. Is this the scene in Iraq? Moreover a land illegally occupied by foreign forces cannot afford to have an election that is of truly democratic character.
Abhai Srivastava, Allahabad, India
What a strange idea! To have an election in the middle of a battle - with candidates who are secret and cannot campaign - and voters who are likely to be killed or arrested or kidnapped by one side or the other if they don't do as they are told - with ballots that will be counted only with the agreement of the occupation.
Ed, New Jersey, USA
| I can't vote because the nearest voting poll is in Sydney, and I live in New Zealand |
I am an Iraqi. I can't vote because the nearest voting poll is in Sydney, and I live in New Zealand, and I am fine with that. There are thousands of us here, I've asked everybody in my family, none wants to vote. Iraqis think that as long as the US is pushing those elections it's in their interests not the Iraqis'. It's a mess. I know I would not stand in any queue if I was in Iraq.
Nada, New Zealand The war about WMD in Iraq was such a failure, that the USA needs these elections to cover up the mess they created. The result is not important.
Marc, Quer�taro, Mexico
So much of this talk is condescending and leaves one with the impression that the Iraqis are a backwards and ignorant people. They live in the seat of ancient civilisation from which much of our custom, law, literature, architecture, and art is derived. One can only hope that they vote with the intelligence I believe many of them must have. They have to decide whether to vote for leaders who have stood by and let their country be devastated by war, and have allowed occupation, or whether there are other more rational candidates for the positions. Hopefully there are some. If the results are not the ones that seem predictable under the prevailing circumstances, then the elections may be successful, and encouraging.
M. Clark, UK/US
The violence attempting to prevent Iraqis from voting is not a war against democracy. Rather, it is an attempt to maintain political power grabs. The Iraqis deserve so much respect for their courage. They also deserve our support to assist those that are in the silent and peaceful majority to finally have a voice over this violent minority.
Caroline, New Jersey, USA Okay, they have no democratic traditions, nor are there good candidates, but it might also be that the Iraqis are sick & tired of being treated like cattle and murdered like dogs. Democracy and self-determination is the only human way for a country to be governed, at least as far as we know. I'd say to the Iraqi people: to the hell with those political analysts; to the hell with dictatorship tradition; to the hell with fundamentalism. Democracy, although not perfect, is at hand. Go for it.
Ricardo, Brazil
Voting for a democracy does not in any way imply that Iraq must become just like the US, or any other democracy for that matter. What is does mean is that Iraqis themselves will be able to choose how they are governed. Unfortunately for the Iraqi people, many outsiders would like to see this election fail simply to justify their opposition to this war.
Dan L, NJ, USA
I am a Westerner, and therefore my opinion is subject to well deserved criticism, because the truth is I am not living in Iraq now, nor have I ever. The voting that will take place within the next week will attest to the Iraqi citizens want for Democracy, and what Westerners so dubiously perceive as the first step to a peaceful resolution. However, with all idealism aside, a country's transition from totalitarian oppression to working democracy has historically never gone smoothly. The prospects for workable Democracy in Iraq are clearly evident. I do believe a great many will turn out to cast their ballot. However, does this ensure a meaningful election that will take charge and rule in accordance with the will of the people? No. The most important issue here is that it is an Iraqi election, and not yet another farcical election, almost dictated by Western interest, rather than the will of a citizenry.
Michael Perez, Davis, CA, USA The elections will be riddled with problems, from militants to terrorist to warlords vying for power. The election will probably be successful, just like in Afghanistan, but the people of Iraq must be ruled by their own and no puppet government will suffice. The US needs to back down and couple their election promises with a promise of troop withdrawal under a specific schedule. Of course, Everyday Iraqis shouldn't be allowed to fend for themselves against terror and militants, the US needs to get more countries (especially Muslim countries) involved in the security of Iraq, before a trust between them and the Iraqis reaches a stage where the average everyday Iraqi will feel comfortable with coming out to vote.
Keith Rozario, Manchester, England
Here in the US, we've had the Bush Administration's mantra regarding Iraqi elections jammed down our throats. "They must happen on time or we'll be giving in to the insurgency. Well it seems that the election set up does just that. Imagine, voters will not know where to go until the last moments. They'll be voting for parties as candidates fearfully remain anonymous. No one can drive for 3 days leading up to the election. Most bizarre of all, the results will be adjusted, if necessary, to ensure Sunni representation. Taking all of this into consideration, I am not hopeful.
Gary Sacco, Penfield, NY USA
I find it hard to imagine that under the current instability in the country elections are even being considered. Most of the Iraqis know nothing of the nominees in the new government. I think the most important issues for the people are security, food, water, electricity and healthcare. These have yet to improve for the majority. I am a little sceptical to what an elected government can do with the Americans in the background.
Nabeel Al Mehairbi, Abu Dhabi, UAE Europe fears a successful election in Iraq as much as Iraqis fear the process itself. This is Iraq's best chance, first step on the road to democracy, one that must be taken but at great cost. Where was all this European concern when Iraq was under the boot of Saddam? Your willingness to sit and do nothing at the expense of so many in this world is why the UN is what it is, a waste of time.
Bill, NJ, USA
Since Iraqis were living under dictatorship for decades, they have become accustomed to it. A democratic system and its government may not be accepted by the Iraqis hastily because the kind of democracy (Western Democracy) that has been imported. It is going to be imposed there by a group of people believed to be pro-western. In history, such attempts have failed repeatedly and caused civil wars. The Iraqi Election can be a success only when the Iraqis are allowed to form their own leadership without any sort of external interference, other than the neutral and friendly supervision of the UNO and similar global organizations.
AR Shams, Hyderabad, Pakistan
This question is highly subjective. To the US administration, a success would probably mean that the elections are held, regardless of turnout or body count. To al-Zarqawi success would probably mean a complete derailment of the election process and a high casualty rate. To the average Iraqi, success would probably mean having an autonomous government with sufficient powers and resources to restore water, electricity and stability. Personally, success for me would mean no casualties, no propaganda and a turnout that suggests that the electorate are not too afraid to come out and vote.
Fraser Irving, Sheffield, UK
All events in Iraq strongly prove that such incomplete elections will end in nothing but more troubles and insurgencies. On the other hand, the ongoing security measures are really insufficient because they are not coming from the Iraqi people themselves. If I were an Iraqi I would not elect anyone as long as my country is occupied and exploited.
Nabil Abdel Ahad Abdel Baky, Cairo, Egypt I think the election in Iraq will be a success for Iraq's people, and everyone who is fond of improvement and peace. But if Iraq's people want to get the best result, I think it is necessary for them to act under Sistani's leadership. He is honestly better than any other up to now. He has a good position on the issues and brings under consideration the rights of all groups, of any ethnicity or ideology. I hope the best for them.
Mohmad, Hamadan, Iran
I do not expect that the elections will bring about much change in the near future. However a journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step. I see these elections as a step in the right direction. Who knows where Iraq will be fifteen years?
Robert Arisz, Amsterdam
| The Iraqis deserve to vote now and determine their leadership |
I am dismayed by the cynicism regarding these elections. Sure, given the terrorists' intimidation tactics, it will not be perfect. We should not allow violence to set the agenda and indefinitely postpone the elections with little hope of the security situation improving over time. The Iraqis deserve to vote now and determine their leadership. Perhaps that will also help defeat the insurgents. That said, even if that does not happen for quite some time, one should not rate the election a failure because of that.
Charles, Berlin, Germany People should take note of what the Iraqis are posting here. After all it's their opinion that matters the most. The arrogance and pessimism of some of the Westerners posting here astound me. Despite the intimidation and violence, there is going to be a great turn out for the election that will shock everyone. Get over your anti-US feelings, stop acting childish and support the Iraqis in the first election they have ever had.
Cam, Australia
The greatest misunderstanding about the Iraqi elections is that whoever gets elected won't matter, at least in the near future anyway. The war torn country definitely needs a leader who is one of them opposed to someone who has spent the last 10 years away.
Kashif, Karachi, Pakistan
It's so easy to point out the bad in these elections. But the bottom line is it's better than nothing, which is exactly what the insurgency wants. Having said that, if I was an Iraqi in Iraq I wouldn't vote, and I wouldn't let any loved one vote either.
Bill, Sydney, Australia
| How dare self-indulgent westerners claim it is unearned or undeserved |
The Shia and Kurds have demanded that elections occur now rather than later, and why not? Is Zarqawi going to change his mind about democracy sometime soon? Does it help to wait and allow more foreign terrorists to enter the country? Thousands died under Saddam waiting for this day. How dare self-indulgent westerners claim it is unearned or undeserved.
Jeff, Sulymanya, Iraq Why do people go on like Democracy is the holy grail? Why can't people in the West accept that not everybody wants democracy and some want another political system. If the Muslims of Iraq wanted political Islam the US and her allies wouldn't allow it. All the US wants to do is impose secularism on the Muslim world. Militant secularism!
Khalid, London, UK
People must decide for themselves who should lead them. Elections are the only way to let the people speak. To bicker over a timetable for these elections is to argue for the only alternative which is a longer occupation.
Mark, Swampscott, MA, USA
These elections are just the first of three this year. It will not be perfect, but some kind of first step is needed. Remember, the US occupied Germany and Japan for 7 years before their democracies were functioning. Those of us here in the US who support Bush accept that we are in this for a long haul.
Jim, Woodbridge, NJ, USA
Any election in which people risk their lives to cast a ballot is completely legitimate. To say otherwise is an insult to their courage. The assembly that results from these elections should be viewed as a legitimate governing body of Iraq because it will have been elected by the bravest of Iraqis unwilling to succumb to the likes of Zarqawi.
Vincent M, USA
| You cannot have a free election in a country under occupation |
You cannot have a free election in a country under occupation. If a government willing to stand up to the US is elected, it will simply be ignored or overthrown by the US. If a government which is not hostile to the occupation is elected then we will know that the election was fraudulent.
Charles Moore, Edinburgh, Scotland It's amazing to me to see all the pessimists whining about the elections in Iraq. These are probably the same people who were up in arms about the elections in Afghanistan, and complaining about all that attacks that would occur, which never materialized... They are also crying about illegitimacy if the Sunni elect not to vote. The Sunnis make up only 20% of Iraq's population. The other 80% (Shia & Kurds) are all going to vote. We here in the US only had a 60% voter turnout for our own Presidential election. Do people consider that illegitimate as well? It's the Sunnis' own choice if they elect to vote or not. If they want to be a part of and have voice in a representative Iraqi government, they will go to the polls and vote. If not, they will be left out, simple as that.
Jeff K, Naperville, IL
These elections must go ahead no matter how difficult the circumstances. The insurgents' actions show how desperate they are and also confirm why the majority of the Iraqi people must be brave and stand up to them - by going to vote for freedom and democracy. Then, and only then, can they start a new and better life; and the remnants of those who would wish to rule by terrorism will be eradicated.
Sue Woollard, Westcliff-on-Sea, England
| It doesn't matter if the election is a failure by international standards |
It doesn't matter if the election is a failure by international standards. It is impossible to hold an election in Iraq that is acceptable by those standards right now. If the Iraqi people accept the winner as their national leader, the election will have been a huge success. Iraq needs someone to unite the efforts of its people towards common goals before the security situation can improve. That is what this election is about. Once the security situation is straightened out, Iraqis will have all the time they want to perfect the democratic process, if they so choose. Why anyone would expect a clean election to take place in a war zone is beyond me.
Jim, NJ, USA In view of current situation I would hope that Iraqis will not vote. It's their only chance to win freedom after the illegal invasion of their country. If they go and vote, the puppet government and parliament will make sure common Iraqis' interests will be deprived in order to serve the US masters. If the people don't vote, they will take away last chance US has of holding onto post-war Iraq. Unable to continue their presence due to enormous costs, and fierce opposition, they will eventually leave.
Anonymous
Iran is accounting for the largest percentage of Iraqi expatriates to register for the country's elections next week. In the US, just 16,794 of an estimated 234,000 Iraqi expatriates have registered - about 7% of the total in the country. In comparison, in Iran 41,088 Iraqi expatriates have registered - an estimated 51% of the 81,000 in the country. Judge for yourself, where do Iraqis feel safe enough and free enough to participate in the democratic experiment?
Dr Yousef Abdulla, Orpington, UK
| It is no secret that al-Zarqawi has declared war on democracy, just surprising that he openly admitted it |
In Iraq as is often the case, the greatest victims of Islamic extremists are other Muslims. It is no secret that al-Zarqawi has declared war on democracy, just surprising that he openly admitted it. The goal of these people is to turn the entire world into Afghanistan under the Taliban. The only rational response of sane people around the world is to fight it wherever it is and as hard as we can. To give up is to abandon civilization itself.
Mark, USA It's unthinkable to even comprehend whether the elections will be a success when the current unstable situation clearly shows that there will be severe restrictions.
Ezekiel Phayze, Bournemouth, UK
Under the circumstances all these elections will prove is how the selfish "coalition of the willing" are. These elections for them just prove that they are working according to their schedule and not for the people of Iraq. They just seem more determined to hold elections more than the Iraqis themselves no matter the chaotic and dangerous circumstances.
Jonathan, Leicester, UK
| The timing of this election is premature - so much more needs to be done |
The timing of this election is premature. So much more needs to be done. However, the US and its allies cannot sustain loss of its soldiers and the result is that an unprepared Iraq is going to implode while the coalition leaves as fast as its politicians can talk themselves out of Iraq.
J Kabir, London England I fail to understand those who claim Iraqi elections would be "risky" and "non-democratic". Besides the Central region of Iraq, some 15% of the country, Iraq is fairly secure. Besides a portion of the Arab Sunnis, altogether about 20% of the population are in favour of the vote. Is any country in the West ready to cancel the elections if less than 20% of the population is boycotting it? Moreover, if we look to the last 20 years, it is hard to find an election in the West where the participation rate exceeded 60%.
Chadi, Lebanon
Do Iraqis really know who they are voting for? specially when most of the candidates haven't lived in Iraq in the last 15 years! Giving legislative power to people you don't really know might lead to a catastrophe. Can we really trust them?
Omar, Helsinki, Finland
Voting rights should be a god given right of every human being. I cannot see how those that threaten the election can sleep at night. I am not even sure it is worth inviting them to talks. Unfortunately, all I can see is more bloodshed of innocent people. A monumental effort should go into ensuring anyone who wants to interfere are dealt with swiftly and with all available force.
DM, Scotland
Well, I hope they are a success, however, I sickens me to think that most of Europe seems to hope they fail. With the exception of Italy, Spain, Poland and, of course, the UK - most European countries have been no help at all in the process. The more they scorn the current alliance, the longer it will take to secure Iraq. This finger-pointing at America and Britain for going in and over throwing Saddam and his regime is pointless and childish.
Mike Canada, Coronado, CA
The success of Iraq elections depends on the authorities' ability to convince the people that they can fulfil the genuine aspirations of the population to build a equitable society.
Murali Swaminthan, Chennai, India
| The Iraqis will not be allowed to elect a government the Americans do not approve of |
The Iraqis will not be allowed to elect a government the Americans do not approve of. So this election is a farce.
Neil, Glasgow, Scotland My impression is that if they get a 50% turnout they will be very lucky. In which case, I don't see how the elections can deliver the credibility that the coalition is hoping for as its get-out strategy.
David Hazel, Fareham, UK
Zarqawi's actions prove just how scared the fundamentalists are of democracy and just how few people support their views. The coalition and ultimately the Iraqis should be cheered for the strength shown in the face of the brutal minority. Democratic success will occur in Iraq and will offer hope for those who live and a warning to those who rule in dictatorships, for their days are surely numbered.
Russell, UK
I don't think these elections are for the Iraqis anymore. They are nothing but self-serving interests for the States. They need to be able to say "Look, we brought democracy..." so that in someway they can justify the war and the senseless deaths that arose from it. Unless Bush sends Rice or other high-profile people to wait in the lines with the Iraqi people, there is no legitimacy to these elections.
Paul Girling, Toronto, Canada
You cannot impose upon a person a different form of government any more than you can impose your own beliefs or culture. Any change must come from within and be wanted or it is worthless. How can you value something you didn't fight or struggle to obtain for yourselves? We are truly ignorant if we believe that we can just 'give' another country democracy.
Alastair, South West, England
A few people have said that the election will be illegitimate because many won't be able to vote because of extremist death threats. But many news organisations have been saying that up to an 80% turnout is expected. If 80% is to be considered illegitimate and unrepresentative then every democracy on the planet is illegitimate.
Joshua Calvert, UK
Kurds and Shia will vote in large numbers. The Sunni turnout will be smaller - for obvious reasons - but there will be a greater turnout than the insurgents would like and than many expect. The question of success depends on what the elected government does once elected. Cross your fingers and hope for the best.
Sally Vonnegut, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| Polling stations will be open, but Iraqi people will be afraid of joining the queues |
Democratic processes cannot be easily imposed on a country, in particular where there's no tradition. Iraq hasn't changed much. People were being killed by Saddam's regime. People are being killed by foreign terrorists who are exploring racial tensions. Saddam persecuted the Iraqi people and killed hundreds of thousands. In his elections he used to get one hundred per cent of the vote. People were afraid of not voting. Zarqawi is killing and frightening would-be voters. The polling stations will open, but the Iraqi people will be afraid of joining the queues. But they have endured so much that I'm sure they will be strong enough to face the threats. The democratic countries of the world must go on supporting the Iraqi people.
Alipio, Gaia, Portugal Zarqawi says, "you vote, you die". But equally, if you don't vote, you die. Which ever way you turn it, the government to be elected in Iraq will be a transitional government. So will the next government, and so on for a good few years. Democracy is not born overnight. People are angry now, but they will not be forever and the elections will be a part of Iraq's future.
Miki, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
Security measures, no matter how tight they are, have never been an assurance to save life. And the risk of countless lives does not justify the aim of suffrage. For the electorate, to vote is nothing but a creation of more conflict and impossible democracy. I believe that considering the dangers at hand, the election shall be postponed to allow time to explain to the opposing class the need for Democracy. Let not the "US and her allies" force upon these peoples a culture that is long hated by them.
Ruby Go, Cebu, Philippines
I would implore the Iraqi people to vote. I believe that the Iraqi people will brave all the intimidation and terror and demonstrate that they want true democracy. Once they have voted, Iraq can get on with its bright and prosperous future. Only a very small minority faction are causing the present problems, when the Iraqis are left to police their own, I am sure there will be a short clean-up to rid themselves of this cancer.
Iain Steven, Bridge of Weir, Scotland I hope the election will be a success but I can't see it. An alien system to that part of the world is being applied within an atmosphere of intimidation. What concerns me the most is that should a hard line Islamic group assume control will the US Government accept it as an outcome of democracy or oppose it as not in the interest of the USA?
Jim Kirk, Basildon UK
The success of the election depends on the average strength of will and the skill of the coalition and Iraqi troops to provide security. Democracy is not an easy thing to accomplish in a country that was, in reverse order, a dictatorship, a monarchy, a British colonial possession, and finally a protectorate of the Ottoman Empire. For all of those who say Democracy cannot be imposed by force, I would like to respond with the examples of Germany, Japan, Israel, Taiwan, East Timor, and South Korea. I pray that these elections will proceed without problems, so that the Iraqi people can build a free country to be proud of.
Zach Smith, Bloomington, IN, USA
Whether elections in Iraq are seen as a success or a failure should not be the main worry. These elections could be the spark that ignites a civil war in Iraq. The whole idea that you can export democracy like it was a McDonalds franchise is about to be tested. I, like many, hope that America is right and elections will lead to a peaceful settlement to this piece of adventurism. My fear is that the result will be bloody and, whatever the outcome of the elections, the situation will continue to deteriorate.
Paul, Belgium
I have just registered to vote in London and was proud to see the optimism of my fellow Iraqis for the election be they Arab or Kurd, Sunni or Shia. We Iraqis, God Willing, will make these elections a success and no one, Zarqawi or any other enemy of Iraq, will stop in our way.
Zaid Al-Hindawi, Iraqi in London, UK I believe that the Iraqi people will turn out in droves to vote! A Jordanian (al-Zarqawi) is never going to be permitted to force Iraqis to their knees in deference to his, Iran's and al-Qaeda's zealotry. The Iraqis, who have been puzzlingly passive up to now, will hopefully gain self-confidence as a result of being able to go to the polls for the first time in 50 years, and will then stand up defiantly against the extremists trying to overrun and take over their country.
Evlin Stein, Cincinnati, USA
As with any other "democracy" that the US has enforced, the voice of the people will not be heard on election day in Iraq. The US will not allow anyone but their puppet candidate to win, election day will probably be the bloodiest, what democracy and what elections are everybody talking about?
Ghassan al-Hardan, Florida, USA
It is not a question of whether the elections would be successful but a question of how legitimate they would be, given the fact that not many people would be able to cast their votes. Just conducting the elections is not going to make Iraq a land of freedom and democracy.
Srinivasan Toft, Humlebaek, Denmark Iraq's elections will no doubt be rocky, but the suggestions that they will be futile are much too pessimistic. Democracy is a risk and a worthwhile one. Democracy does not surrender to violent splinter groups. There will be risks for voters, but the security measures being taken will be effective. Casualties will be unavoidable, but the prize is worth the cost. I believe a significant majority of Iraqis want democracy and they will demonstrate that on election day. The same gloom and doom was predicted, incorrectly, about Afghanistan.
Brett, Arizona, USA
Voters and polling stations are perfect targets for insurgents opposing democracy. Ensuring safety and stability should be top priorities in Iraq. There will be time for elections when the smoke clears.
Elizabeth, Florida, USA
We sincerely feel sorry for the Iraqi people. If they come out to vote, they will be killed and if they keep away from voting the invaders will never leave their country. What a mess the US "liberation" has created for them.
S H Moulana, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
I think that now is not a good time for elections. There are not any good candidates.
Mohammad Malayeri, Tehran, Iran
In response to: Mohammad Malayeri, Tehran, Iran.
After more than 228 years of practicing Democracy, we say the same thing. "There are not any good candidates." It seems to me that you will waste a good deal of daylight holding off an election because you are waiting for "good" candidates. Democracy and Freedom are seldom perfect. However, the alternatives are even less appealing.
Joe Horner, New York, NY
How fortunate I am that I'm neither a member of the Iraqi electorate, an Iraqi politician, a member of any Iraqi security force or any other Iraqi government official organising this senseless and potentially dangerous event. It's highly likely that the state of chaos across the region has become the breeding ground of countless militant factions intent on both electoral disruption and acts of reprisals in the dark months to follow. This should, and certainly could, have waited until the coalition forces had brought greater stability to the country.
Patrick V Staton, Guildford, UK
I think it would be good for Iraqis to have a viable democracy. However, as the recent election is the United States proves, the electorate doesn't always vote in its own best interests. I have serious doubts that Iraqis will vote wisely, allowing their political passion (always exploited by those few who have something to gain by it) to override their reason.
Scott, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| The whole thing is yet another rotten sham |
Apparently the Iraqi people do not even know who they will be allowed to vote for yet - some democracy. The whole thing is yet another rotten sham, another nasty trick being played on them by their new masters. It won't look good in the history books.
David B, London, UK The situation in Iraq is deteriorating so rapidly that holding elections on 30 January seems to be pure nonsense. The candidates are still unknown, whereabouts of polling stations ditto, also I have heard that Iraq is simply too dangerous for independent election observers etc. How could we possibly look forward an Iraqi election in such circumstances? How many ordinary innocent people have to lose their lives till the interim government and the US administration take notice that an election is not a substitute for an exit strategy?
Mary McCannon, Budapest, Hungary
A huge mess has been created in Iraq, but let's not forget the people of Iraq and their freedom. It is very easy to criticise the situation instead of helping.
Ali, Saudi Arabia
I do not think the elections will be a success - they will not represent the whole Iraqi people as Sunni Muslims are not taking part in it. The presence of occupation forces in Iraq makes the present Allawi government very much like a government largely operating under occupation. Another more reason is the successful attacks of the Iraqi resistance which will ensure a low turn out in the elections.
Mahmoud, Cairo, Egypt
| I do hope the Iraqi people will have the courage to vote although I can understand their fear |
The meaning of the election has changed. The election is now about choosing terrorism (no to vote)or democracy (to vote). I do hope the Iraqi people will have the courage to vote although I can understand their fear. Here in the West many are so anti-US that they are hoping for the election to be a failure. A failure would be a great victory for Zarqawi and his beheadings and a great loss for the Iraqi people.
Jan, Bonn, Germany I feel that since the military operation in Iraq has always been geared towards regime change that the elections can never be fair. The elected representatives will most likely be those favoured by and favourable to the US administration. The threat of violence hanging over the elections, and the lack of international independent observers, also calls into question the legitimacy and fairness of these elections.
Karl Lynch, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Compared to what we are used to the elections will be violent and disorganised and apparently lacking in legitimacy. Compared to what the Iraqis are used to, it will be amazing. For the first time they will have a say in their government. Everyone should be supporting the election, no matter what flaws it has, simply because it is so much better than the alternative.
Andrew, London, UK
What is the use of an election in Iraq at this point in time. Will an election heal all the wounds? I think not!
Divine, Ifitedunu, Nigeria
There will be little if any real external observation of these elections. If this were another country in other circumstances our politicians would be swift to denounce them as illegal and unfair. Setting aside the issue of threats to prospective voters, there will be no basis for having confidence in the results which are announced. Secret polling stations, secret candidate lists, and no independent observers combine to make this a corrupt election.
David A, Kent, UK
The "coalition of the willing" might as well have just stuck a sign up on Iraq's borders saying "We Welcome All Terrorists" with the security that these elections are facing. America needs to get out of Iraq and negotiate for other Arab countries to take control of security. It's a trust thing and the Americans aren't trusted there.
Darryl LeCount, Paderborn, Germany
Just by holding an election we have success. Self-determination and freedom for the Iraqi people begin with this vote. The Western liberal doomsayers here should look at their priorities - do they really need to attack the fledgling democracy emerging there at this time? Why do the doomsayers want to deny the Iraqi people the same freedoms that they have? We cannot change the recent past - but we can all make sure that the future is brighter for the Iraqi democracy.
Roger, Whitwick England
I'm not sure how curfews, border closures and bans on civilian traffic will make anyone feel safer over the election period. Those wanting to prove their point will be watching and waiting when the voters turn up, and their retribution will come after the fact. It's yet another piece of the jigsaw that, when assembled, will pronounce load and clear "You should have stayed well away from Iraq, you fools".
Martin, Fleet, UK
Voters are being threatened with "If you vote, you die". Candidates names are not posted, so one doesn't know for whom he is voting. There are no International observers because they can't be assured of protection. So what are the prospects for Iraq's elections? The expression, "Exercise in futility" comes to mind.
Victor, Oxford, UK
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