Violence erupt as Iraq national elections start

Sunday, 07 March 2010 03:33 PM Maui A. Hermitanio

Iraq is now on high alert after a roadside bomb exploded in Baghdad, before the start of the national elections. At least five people were killed and 22 others were injured due to the explosion that coincided with Iraq’s early election for government employees and security forces.

At least 19 million eligible voters out of Iraq’s 30 million population will cast their votes today, March 7. Iraqi expatriates began voting in 80 cities across 16 countries last Friday. Iraq's electoral commission says 1.4 million people are eligible to vote abroad.

Almost 6,200 candidates are standing for the 325 seats in parliament.

According to an Al Jazeera report, the election is seen as a pivotal moment in Iraq as the US prepares to withdraw large numbers of troops by 2011. "This is a very significant vote; it is the closest to a truly representative process since the US-led invasion [in 2003].

Security alert is observed throughout Iraq. Travel around the country has been restricted and the authorities have cancelled all leave for security services. Authorities are focusing security for Anbar that expands one-third of the country. It is the biggest province and has borders with three countries: Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Syria.

According to Anas Altikriti of London-based think tank Cordoba Foundantion said the March 7 elections ‘will be unlike any the Iraqis have ever experienced’ He said, “despite shortcomings, misgivings and failures of the political structure established post-2003, it seems that most Iraqi factions have finally become resigned to the fact that this is as good as it gets.”Iraq’s current parliament was elected in December 2005.

Iraq held provincial elections on January 31, 2009, and the Kurdistan Region held elections on July 25, 2009.

Five years ago, Iraq's Sunni Arabs boycotted the legislative election, allowing Shia and Kurdish parties to take control of parliament, but Sunnis are now expected to take part in large numbers.

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