Res Publica 2005

Standing for self-determination one vote at a time is an amazing thing.

By Iyad Allawi

For millions of Iraqis, Sunday was a day of history and high emotion. I never doubted, despite the violence and threats, that the Iraqi people would demonstrate their courage and love of freedom. They knew how important Sunday’s poll was to their country’s future and knew, too, that the eyes of the world were on them.

In every part of our great country and in huge numbers, they defied the terrorists, fanatics and cowards to play their own part in free and fair elections. Sunni, Shias, Arabs, Kurds, Turkomans and Christians marched to the polls as a national army, armed solely with their determination to live in liberty.

The votes, of course, are still being counted so we don’t know yet who has been elected. With 8,000 candidates and 100 different groups, it will take time. But we do already know who has won and who has lost.

The winners are the millions of Iraqis who want their country to be free and peaceful, who want control of their own destiny and a better life for their families. The winners, too, are those who believe that a democratic Iraq can be a symbol of hope and progress throughout the region. The losers are the extremists and the terrorists who fear and despise freedom

And we complain if it's raining or cold or we have to stand in line more than a few minutes.