WORLD NEWS
October 16, 2005
Iraqis Vote on Constitution
Iraqis vote on new constitution that could be a major step toward independence
 An Iraqi woman shows her inked finger after voting. |
Iraqis voted whether or not to accept the nation's recently written constitution on Saturday. If the constitution is approved, it will be an important step forward in Iraq’s road to independent rule. It could also lead to the exit of U.S. troops from the nation of more than 26 million.
 |  Iraqi Kurdistan election workers count ballots for on a draft constitution in Suleimaniyeh, northern Iraq. |
Early results show that a majority of voters approved the constitution. However, the Iraqi electoral commission said the number of votes in some areas was "unusually high" compared to international averages. The commission will look closely at the results and decide if any fraud occurred.
Voting For a New Direction
Iraqis voted in their first free election in 50 years when they selected the National Assembly in January 2005. The National Assembly spent months developing the constitution. It was not an easy task. There were many disagreements before leaders could compromise on a constitution they thought was best.
Although there had been several attacks and threats of violence leading up to the election, officials say the violence on election day was less than expected. Sadly, the days following the election were again violent. On Sunday and Monday, U.S. attacks killed 70 insurgents and civilians. Five U.S. soldiers were killed over the weekend as well.
"The important thing is that our people went out and cast their votes, not paying any heed to the threats of violence," said Adnan al-Duleimi, a Sunni Arab politician. "It's reason for joy and satisfaction."
Divided on Constitution
Most Shiites and Kurds support the constitution. Many Sunnis oppose the constitution because they say it is not fair to them. The constitution would give Shiites and Kurds the ability to form governments in areas where there is a lot of oil. The areas where Sunnis could form regional governments do not have a lot of oil.
Sunnis make up about 20 percent of the population. When Saddam Hussein, a Sunni, was in power, they had most of the power. Experts say in some areas a surprising number of Sunnis have voted on the constitution.
What's Next?
If the constitution is approved, Iraqis will hold elections in December. Iraqis will choose a permanent governing body.
If the constitution fails, Iraqis will have to elect a new national assembly, who will then write another constitution. The constitution will fail if two-thirds of the voters in any three of Iraq's 18 provinces reject it.
