Saturday, December 17
MORNING BRINGS FLOOD OF IRAQI VOTERS ON HISTORIC DAY
Iraqis exercise choice of government since Saddam took power 27 years ago.
| December 15, 2005 BAGHDAD, Iraq – With tight rings of security circling the city, Iraqi citizens took to the streets the morning of Dec. 15 to vote for the first full-term government since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Iraqi Police are providing close-in protection at polling stations; Iraqi public Order Battalions and Iraqi Army Soldiers are providing the next level of protection; and more Iraqi Soldiers and Coalition Forces are in a third ring of troops. They will also provide a quick-reaction force if needed. Shortly after polling sites opened in Baghdad, a rocket landed in the International Zone, damaging a vehicle and injuring one Marine and two civilian contractors. The wounded were treated at the site for minor injuries and released. Polling stations throughout south Baghdad reported a constant flow of voters. Early reports indicated voter turnout is higher than the numbers seen on for the Constitutional Referendum vote on Oct. 15. |
