Iraqis vote for peace and stability

Iraq is once again taking a step towards building a process that brings about democracy, peace and consequently stability with the beginning of the provisional voting process. It is important that all Iraqis become active participants in the process if the democratic process is to be institutionalised and find success in the long term.

Polling stations open across the country amid tight security as the people participate in the first ballot for provisional seats since 2005. Over half a million police officers have been dispatched to ensure a smooth voting process at 1,699 voting centres.

No doubt, this election is important for various reasons. For one thing, it is being held after three years since it was first introduced and there have been many changes that have taken place within Iraq as much as in its surroundings. In addition, the change in the political landscape in the US would also play a role in the future of the country. Furthermore, holding the election now would come as a test for the Iraqi troops in terms of their ability to provide security. Taking control of this area is a matter that would always be most challenging for all Iraqis, a task that the Iraqi security forces would have to take head on.

So far the Iraqi people have welcomed the voting process as the numbers of candidates reflect a seriousness in dealing with the experiment. About 14,400 candidates, of which 4,000 are women, are running for a total of 440 provisional council seats.

The election's success would not just be based on security level or number of candidates. Instead, there is a great expectation for a role to be played by the country's leaders so that to encourage and bring about a national consensus and unity of fronts.