Iraqi Army Soldiers exercise right to vote

Courtesy Photo | An Iraqi Soldier displays an ink-stained finger to show that he voted in the national elections on Dec. 12 at a polling site near Taji, Iraq. More than 6,000 Soldiers were expected to participate in early voting at the site. Members of Iraqi Security Forces voted early so they can provide security at other polling sites on Dec. 15. Iraqi election  

TAJI, IRAQ

12.13.2005

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Sgt. Matthew Wester
3/1 AD PAO

TAJI, Iraq " Iraqi Army Soldiers northwest of Baghdad voted three days before the country's national elections, freeing them for duty on Dec. 15.

Soldiers had been working to make polling sites throughout the area secure prior to election day. On Dec. 12, thousands went to the polls themselves and voted at a site in Assariya village, near Camp Taji north of Baghdad.

"I am very glad. This is good for all Iraqis, not just for us, " said Pvt. Zaheer, an infantryman with 9th Iraqi Army Mechanized Division.

This is the third time in a year Iraqis have participated in democratic elections, after the success of the interim government elections in January and the Constitutional Referendum in October.

The Iraqi Soldiers formed long columns and marched to the polls. Other IA Soldiers guarded the Assariya site.

"The Iraqi Security Forces vote early so they can do their job on election day, which is primarily to provide security for the citizens of Iraq, so that they have an opportunity to vote in a safe environment," said Capt. Richard Hicks, a team leader for A Company, 490th Civil Affairs Battalion. His team works with the citizens of the area to improve infrastructure and quality of life.

"The Iraqi Security Forces are the lead element in providing this security. They are the ones people see at the polling sites," Hicks said. "It's a further demonstration of their ability to take the lead as they will guide their country following the election."

The Soldiers took charge of security during the recent referendum vote and were successful at curbing attacks and ensuring citizens made it to the polls safely.

After voting, some troops danced and sang patriotic songs. One Soldier led his comrades in a chant extolling the virtues of their favorite candidates.

"It really means a lot to see how much enthusiasm they have, " Hicks said. "It's just a very warming experience to share that with them here and see democracy in action."

"I hope for democracy and security for this country," Zaheer said as he headed to the polls to cast his vote.

irelect

• Date Taken: 12.13.2005
• Date Posted: 12.13.2005 14:47
• Story ID: 4059
• Location: TAJI, IQ