Photo By Staff Sgt. Jason Kendrick | Three young men, who are residents of Airport Village, show off their ink-stained...... read more read more
By Staff Sgt. Jason Kendrick
56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Iraq – Four years ago, the first elections of a burgeoning democracy were conducted in Iraq. On Jan. 31, the people of Iraqi once more returned to the polls to choose their nation's leaders.
The situation is vastly different today. The government has had four years to mature, and the people have matured as well. Whereas the concept of free elections may have seemed to be an alien concept a decade ago, the Iraqi people today realize the importance of selecting those leaders that best represent their beliefs.
Such was the scene at Airport Village, which lies just outside of Baghdad, where citizens could be smiling and excited to cast their votes to determine the future of their nation.
Perhaps a key part of the maturation process is the growing working relationships between the Iraqi police and the Iraqi army. During the elections in 2005, the IP and IA did not work together efficiently because that relationship had not yet had the opportunity to bond into the sense of teamwork the two agencies currently enjoy.
"This clearly sends a message to the international community that Iraq is in control and are ready to put people in office that will take them to the next generation," explained Maj. Timothy Amerson, civil military operations officer for the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Infantry Division, Multi-National Division – Baghdad.
The Iraqi High Election Council appointed a person responsible for overseeing the operation of each polling sites across Iraq. Inside each polling station, the individuals have jurisdiction without any additional governmental presence.
This was also the case in Airport Village. On the outside of the station, an outer security perimeter was provided by IP and IA soldiers working together. The joint forces provided a safe and secure environment for the citizens of Iraq.
"The whole process was planned out. Iraqi police and the Iraqi army came together and developed a plan for security along with the IHEC representative," Amerson said.
During the planning process, a variety of items were discussed, ranging from materials needed to people designated to perform personnel searches. Of key importance for those preparing for the elections was brining in people from outside the Airport Village to perform these missions to prevent any potential allegations of impropriety or undue influence. In fact, it is the legitimacy of the process that may be the most important in ultimately determining the success of the elections.
"I believe that the people of Iraq truly believe that their voices will be heard in these elections," said Staff Sgt. Paul Farr, civil military operations non-commissioned officer serving with the 56th IBCT.
This sentiment was expressed by many of those participating in the elections.
Thabit Hassan, the council mayor of Airport Village, observed the elections process after he voted and expressed great pride in the direction his country is heading.
"Democracy is an infant in Iraq. As an infant, you make mistakes that can come back to hurt you," Hassan said. "But, as you grow older, you start to realize what is good and what is bad; and you start doing better things. These elections are 100 times better than the previous elections because the Iraqi people are better educated and are more in touch, more in tune, with the needs of the country."
But the pride did not start and end with the salt and pepper mustached mayor. Young voters representing the generation of Iraqis who are needed to continue the process also showed pride in participating in the historic event.
"As far as the elections, it is encouraging for us as the new generation because it shows us that there is actually a vote for every person and that things can be changed through the elections," said Mohammed, an 18-year-old resident of Airport Village.
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2009 03:38 |
| Story ID: | 29510 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 803 |
| Downloads: | 773 |
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