Unofficial estimates show high Iraq turnout

[Rolo]

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Voting indications so far show that turnout in the Iraqi elections could reach 50 percent or more, leading politicians whose staff have been monitoring voting across the country say.
Official figures on Sunday's turnout will be released by the election commission later, but several political parties have been making unofficial checks of voter participation.

Turnout is expected to be overwhelming in Iraqi Kurdistan and the mostly Shi'ite south, but in Sunni Arab areas few are voting.

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml...&storyID=663559 (http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=663559)

[Almighty Colin]

50% is the key milestone. Sounds like it might be close.

[Rolo]

Yes, if the turnout is high, then sunni leaders will have to accept that their boycott failed, and start working - beating their chests or playing victims will not help.

I think that it is very likely that even if sunnis do not show up to vote, then they will have their saying in the work ahead, since this is the only way to reach the compromise, which can unite the country and create the security normal everyday iraqis want.


Baghdad, Iraq, Jan. 25 (UPI) -- Despite mounting violence by Sunni Muslims in Iraq, some Sunni leaders say they want a role in drafting a new constitution, the New York Times said Tuesday.

The majority of Sunni leaders have called for a boycott of the election scheduled for Sunday, claiming it is invalid under U.S. occupation, but Sheik Moayad Ibrahim al-Adhami, a senior member of the Muslim Scholars Association said they are two separate issues.

"Certainly because we withdrew from the elections, that doesn't mean we won't be part of the drafting of the constitution," al-Adhami said. "All the Sunnis must take part in drafting the constitution."

Sunnis make up about 30 percent of the Iraqi population, but they held the majority of high positions in former dictator Saddam Hussein's Baathist government.

The 275-member national assembly to be elected Sunday is to appoint a president and prime minister, draft a permanent constitution by August and prepare the country for full-term elections in December.

http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20...84632-9111r.htm (http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20050125-084632-9111r.htm)

[Mike AI]

The pdiddy vote or die referance is classic!!

:lol: :lol:

Thing is, the Iraqies will end up voting in much larger number the pdiddy inspired!