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by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza, Jr.
Published in Spanish by Mexican daily Reforma
Today, one year and ten months after Iraqis were liberated by coalition forces from the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, they will go to the polls to take a decisive step toward building the free, democratic society that the vast majority of Iraqis desire. In polling stations across Iraq and around the world, Iraqi citizens will be able to cast their ballots and make their individual contributions to Iraq’s democratization.
The act of voting, the right to freely engage in an open and fair process to choose ones own leaders is a precious element of democracy. We have seen here, in our own hemisphere, citizens turning out in record numbers when finally given this opportunity, even when conditions have been difficult, sometimes dangerous. So many throughout Latin America can sympathize with the challenges faced by Iraqi citizens, who have encountered physical intimidation by terrorists in their midst who would rob them of their newly-won right to vote.
Surveys show that the vast majority of Iraqis want to vote in these elections. But there is a small, radical element in the country who believe they have no stake in a future of freedom. The evidence of their fury is all too evident in the form of car bombs, assassinations, kidnappings and intimidation. In the days before the election, unfortunately, this violence intensified. Given this campaign of intimidation, I think those brave Iraqis who go to the polls tdoay deserve our admiration and our support.
From start to finish, these elections are being run by Iraqis, for Iraqis. The Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq has certified approximately 111 parties, coalitions and individuals who are competing for 275 seats on the Transitional National Assembly. This Assembly will in turn choose a president and two vice presidents, who will then select a Prime Minister. The Transitional National Assembly will also draft a constitution, which will be put to a public referendum in October 2005. By December 2005, Iraqis will return to the polls to elect a new national government under the auspices of their newly enacted constitution.
Every democracy has crucial moments in its history, when freedoms were won or expanded. These moments often involve sacrifice. History shows us that when these sacrifices are made in freedom’s cause, they are not made in vain.
In his inaugural address just ten days ago, President Bush spoke to this when he said “By our efforts, we have lit a fire as well - a fire in the minds of men. It warms those who feel its power, it burns those who fight its progress, and one day this untamed fire of freedom will reach the darkest corners of our world.”
Today the power of freedom’s fire is being felt in Iraq. If the Iraqi people have the courage to move forward and cast their ballots for a democratic Iraq, then we, too, must show the same resolve, supporting their march toward freedom.
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